Tim Connolly was the hero in last nights game as the Leafs played the Hurricane. He scored the first goal of the hockey game in the third period by redirecting a shot from MacArthur past Cam Ward and then scored the overtime goal for the big two points and another stick in the W column. John-Michael Liles also had a strong two-way game for the Maple Leafs as he blocked 3 shots, including a play when he skated the full length of the ice to break up an odd man rush that looked promising for the Hurricanes.
Cam Ward was sensational stopping 36 of the 38 shots put on net by the Maple Leafs. Carolina seemed to struggle to keep pace with the Leafs speedy forecheck for the majority of the game. The lone Hurricane goal was scored by former Leaf Alex Ponikarovski as he tapped in a power play goal late in the third period to tie the game. Carolina currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern conference with just 23 points. It's no surprise that a team comprised of more than just a few players who played for Toronto in the past few failed seasons is the third worst team in the league. Jiri Tlusty, Tim Brent and Alex Ponikarovski were all playing Tuesday night in Toronto. The Hurricanes also had signed former Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle this past off-season but traded him away to the Montreal Canadiens last week.
The Maple Leafs were 2/3 on the PK last night despite working over the weekend to imrpove the 74% that is currently worst in the league. They will need to step it up as they host the leagues best powerplay, the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
On Friday the Leafs start the first of three games in four nights against the Buffalo Sabres. With 35 points in 30 games the Maple Leafs are currently on pace for 95 points, which almost certainly births post-season competition.
Saturday night the Vancouver Canucks make their way to the ACC and on Monday night the LA Kings are in town.
