He has been much maligned since his arrival to the Toronto Maple Leafs. From accusations of soft play, to selfishness, and even lack of work ethic, Jason Blake has endured some harsh criticisms from Leafs fans as well as the Toronto media. But tonight-for one glorious moment-Jason Blake got his chance to be a hero loved by all of Leafs Nation.
Let me set the scene:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are at home hosting the New Jersey Devils. The game is tied at 2 goals apiece. Overtime has failed to produce a winner, so the game has gone to a much feared shootout. Leafs fans know their team is now almost certainly doomed-the Maple Leafs have won just one shootout so far this season.
Lee Stempniak takes the ice as Toronto's first shooter. He tries to go five-hole, but is easily stopped by Scott Clemmenson in the New Jersey net. The Devils then get their chance, but Vesa Toskala gets his stick on the shot from Zach Parise. It is still scoreless-so far so good. Up next for the Leafs is Tomas Kaberle, who tries the same shot as Stempniak. He gets the same result-stopped, no goal.
New Jersey once again gets a chance to drive a steak into the heart of Leafs fans. However, Vesa Toskala easily stands his ground, and stonewalls Patrik Elias. Each team has now gone two shooters and the shootout is still scoreless. Jeremy Williams steps onto the ice next. Just over a week ago Williams was a minor leaguer. Since his NHL callup, he has 3 goals in 3 games, and now has the weight of Leafs Nation on his shoulders. He is Toronto's final shooter, and he comes through with a sniper-like shot. That could be the winner, but the Devils have one last gasp. Jamie Langenbrunner steps up as New Jerseys last shooter. Toskala finally lets one through, and he scores. It's all even now.
The shootout is tied at one goal a piece after 3 shooters, and now goes into sudden death mode. Just the name "sudden death" should give you an idea how much pressure the next poor soul to take the ice will be under. He will either be the game's hero or a dud-all depending on one shot. Ron Wilson chooses Jason Blake. The beauty of what happens next cannot be explained in words. So I have posted the video so you can see for yourself:
And that is how Jason Blake went from a whipping boy to a King. Quite possibly the most beautiful shootout goal I have seen all season. In case you dont know how the story ends, Brian Rolston goes in next for the Devils, and misses the net by a longshot. Leafs win! Credit also has to go to Jeremy Williams and Vesa Toskala. Toskala made the big saves all night long to keep the Toronto Maple Leafs in this game and Williams scored a goal in both regulation time and the shootout.
It may not last long, but for one December night Jason Blake got his chance to be the hero.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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Great post. Really enjoyed the ending to last night's game. I hope Wilson thinks Williams is a keeper.
ReplyDeleteI think Blake will find that Toronto is a hard place to lose but an amazing place to win.
Thanks for dropping by General!
ReplyDeleteThat was the best ending to a Leafs game Ive seen all season. I suppose with all the criticism Blake has endured, last night must have been special for him. He seems to have turned around his play as well as his attitude.
I would find it hard to believe now that Wilson would send Williams back to the AHL. He seems like a legit goal scorer. And hes only 24.
And how about Toskala? He seems to finally be getting some consistency in his game.