What do you say after a loss like that? The Leafs were embarrassed everywhere on the ice with the exception of about five minutes in the third period where Tyler Bozak and Mikhail Grabovski scored, and made it briefly look like we were headed for another comeback.
Although on paper, our special teams may actually look better after this game, with Bozak's goal coming on the power play (1 for 8 on the night), and our Penalty Kill neutralizing the Pens on their only PP, we also gave up a short-handed goal with the numbers 84, 32, 41, 16 and 15 on the ice. Oh, and the goal came on an embarrassing two-on-oh that left Gustavsson hung out to dry. Bummer.
The Leafs were a cumulative -20 on the night, with Luke Schenn being the only "plus" player in the lineup, and only Armstrong, Gunnarsson, Sjostrom, and Rosehill breaking even.
The good news is that the Leafs have the opportunity to dispel this rain cloud from above their heads with another game coming tonight against Philadelphia. Dion Phaneuf is hoping to be back, though he will likely be a game time decision. From Jonas Siegel:
"It's feeling a lot better," said Phaneuf. "I don't know whether it's gonna be tomorrow, whether it's gonna be Saturday or whether it's gonna be next week. It's all how it reacts, but like I said it's been positive so far each day that I've woke up.
"Right now I’d love to play tomorrow, focus on that, wake up tomorrow and it’s feeling good then that will be when it is. But I haven’t said for sure, the medical staff hasn’t said for sure, so like I said one day at a time still."
Don't rush it, Dion. I want you ready and able to break skulls against Calgary, and I know that's exactly what you'd like to do too, but make sure you've let it heal.
Leafs Links:
Crosby Dominates, Wilson Fumes as Leafs Fall In Pittsburgh
Jonas Siegel has a few (predictable) quotes from Wilson, Versteeg, and Armstrong.
Wilson livid at Leafs' no show - The Globe and Mail
Toronto coach left wishing he had a player like Crosby after 5-2 loss to Penguins. This one's from Mirtle, and includes audio from the shortened presser.
Leafsno match for Crosby - The Globe and Mail
Mirtle gives his own game recap, and shares notes on Fleury and Phaneuf.
Leafs Marvel At Crosby's Feats
It seems Kris Versteeg wasn't aware that Crosby is good at hockey. From Siegel.
Game Recap From Pensburgh
Get the other side's perspective on the game.
Baby Leafs Didn't Fare So Well Against The Baby Pens, Either
You know it's bad when you get scored on five times in a game, and your goalie almost as a .900 SV% anyway. There's a silver lining there too, in that the goalie played well, but good grief, Charlie Brown.
Fans across most markets are unhappy; Leaflanders are not alone
Michael Langlois with some nice perspective over at Vintage Leaf Memories.
Time to scratch Colton Orr
Adam Proteau, over at The Hockey News, elaborates.
Every Rosehill Has A Thorn
Jon S over at Puckin' Eh thinks that Rosehill might be more effective than Orr at the moment.
Game In 10 – Game 27
Xterratu with his two cents on the game over at Leafs HQ.
Other NHL Links:
The Hockey News: NHL Capsules
See what else happened around the league last night.
Panthers reach new low in cross-promotion
No matter what happens, we'll never have to rely on Flyers fans filling the ACC, so there's a positive.
