And so the shortest PPPPoll in history comes to an end.
The Leafs got absolutely filled in by Boston at even strength tonight witha team CF% 34.5. Tim Gleason yet again led the way at 44.8%. He's been the Leafs best dman from a possession standpoint since joining the team and I rather like his no fuss, no mess style of play in comparison to the Leafs usual Keystone Kops routine. Him and Franson were a pretty good pairing tonight and I'd like to see them play together tomorrow.
In the scoring department, the hot hand of Tyler Bozak put home a rebound and an absolutely pass by JVR to pot 2 goals. Jake Gardiner continued to show why he's better than Mark Fraser or Paul Ranger by putting home a bullet of a cross-ice pass from Phil Kessel on the powerplay. And James Van Riemsdyk got the game winner on a shot that Tuukka Rask would absolutely love to have back.
For the Bruins, Brad Marchand scored the game opener after the Leafs' patented breakout play of "ring it around the boards to a waiting opposition defenseman" failed for the millionth time this season. Patrice Bergeron added their second on a slick half wrap around technique that beat an unset Jonathan Bernier low, and Gregory Campbell put home their third after a boneheaded defensive miscue between Gardiner and Carl Gunnarsson gave Campbell the puck all alone on the side of the net.
This was the definitive example of hockey being a game largely influenced by luck, bounces, and goaltending. The ice was heavily tilted in the Bruins favor, but a couple of chance rebounds for the Leafs, a few defensive miscues, and a few bad penalties saw them hand the Leafs their first regulation win in exactly a month's time.
Gold Star Award: Tyler Bozak for his 2g, 1a, 3pt night
Silver Star Award: The hockey puck for being an unpredictable little disc of vulcanized rubber.
Bronze Star Award: Tim Gleason for being the only positive Leaf on the night.