Signs Of Encouragement From Tonight's Leafs Victory

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't usually win two games in a row, so a 2-1 victory tonight against the Buffalo Sabres was a pleasant surprise. With the win, the Leafs are quietly creeping back into playoff contention-they are now just 3 points back from the final spot. While the Leafs do have a tough schedule ahead that could easily knock them back into the basement, there are some signs they are beginning to improve as a team. Here are five interesting points from tonight's game that should make Leafs fans feel pretty good:

1.The Strong Play Of Jeremy Williams And Jamie Sifers.
After watching these two guys get their shot in the NHL after being called up from the Toronto Marlies, I find myself wondering if they should be made permanent players on the Leafs roster. Jeremy Williams scored a goal again tonight, with almost the same quick-release shot he used against the Islanders. This doesnt seem like a fluke to me. Williams shot is deadly accurate, and with 3 points in 2 games, I have a feeling he will be replacing one of the Leafs current forwards. If so, look for a trade to happen soon so that the Leafs can move some of their excess depth up front. The more I watch Williams, the more excited I get about his potential. Jamie Sifers also had a strong showing and was named the 2nd star of the game. What impressed me most about him was his willingness to throw some big hits. More than one Buffalo player was flattened by Sifers tonight, and it was fun to watch. His work on the PK was nothing short of excellent. Wilson will soon have some decisions to make on the blue line-with his injured d-men returning and Sifers playing very well, the Leafs are suddenly crowded on defense again. Depth never hurts, especially at the trade deadline..

2.Vesa Toskala Is Beginning To Look Consistent.
I dont want to get ahead of myself here. The last time Toskala looked like he was getting back into his groove, San Jose and Phoenix shelled him with a combined 11 goals in 2 games. However, after his good showing against the Islanders he had an even better one tonight against the Sabres-who happen to possess one of the leagues most explosive offense. All the goal scoring talent on the Sabre's roster was no match for Vesa tonight. He only made 24 saves overall, but many of those were incredibly difficult. All night long, he made the big stops when it counted. He kept the Maple Leafs in the game, and it almost seemed as though Toskala sapped the life out of the Buffalo shooters. After a frantic 1st and 2nd period in which they had all kinds of scoring chances, they looked broken and defeated in the 3rd period. Toskala deserves most of the credit for tonight's win, and got it as he was named the games 1st star.

(Vesa Toskala was the game's first star)

3.The Leafs Shut Down The NHL's Top Goal Scorer
Thats right. Thomas Vanek, who leads the league in goals, was completely shut down by the Leafs D. After a 1st period in which Toskala bailed them out, the Leafs settled down in their own end, and put together a solid defensive game. With Mike Van Ryn back in the lineup, they certainly looked like a much more capable defensive group. I hope this is the start of a more sound defensive game for the Leafs. Once Luke Schenn returns from his injury, there is no reason the Leafs cant play a more consistent game in their own end. They showed they can do it against the leagues top goal scorer, which is a good starting point if you ask me.

4. Jason Blake Is Playing A Team Game
And has been looking like a complete player recently. After a 3 point night against the Islanders on Monday, he followed up with another impressive effort. Though he didnt get on the scoreboard, Jason Blake came up with a couple key shot blocks late in the game that may have prevented a Sabres tying goal. He was also passing the puck most of the night, rather than go for a shot himself from an impossible angle. He came very close to notching a couple of assists. He has really turned his game around, and he is helping his team win. If the Leafs are going to continue their winning streak they NEED Jason Blake to contribute. Lately, he has been doing just that.

5. The Leafs Penalty Kill
Was outstanding. While it is still ranked 27th overall, recently the Leafs have iced one of the best PK units in the league. That was demonstrated tonight, when the Leafs killed off 3 consecutive minor penalties in the 3rd period-17 seconds of which had them playing with only 3 men on the ice. Lee Stempniak took a high-sticking penalty with 10 seconds left in the second period, that resulted in a 4 minute double-minor. This was essentially Buffalo's chance to take control of the game, but the penalty killing unit turned them back at the blue line every time they tried to cross. Just before that penalty expired, Jeff Finger took a tripping call that left the Leafs in a 5-on-3. While most teams would have nothing left after killing off a 4 minute penalty, the Leafs dug deep and killed that one off too! This was by far the most impressive part of the game, and is what changed the momentum in the Leafs favour. When your penalty killing is that good, it frustrates the opponent-and the frustrated Sabres failed to get any offense going after that.

Great effort by the Toronto Maple Leafs! Hopefully they can continue to build on all the good things they did tonight.