For the first time since January 10th and 12th, the Leafs have won back-to-back games.
Here they come?
Um, not quite, but indisputably, this game against Edmonton – the final one prior to the Olympic break – will be a true measuring stick game for Craig Berube and company. No disrespect to Vancouver or Calgary, but they’re two of the NHL’s worst teams right now. At any rate, The Hockey News’ David Alter stepped in for Jay Rosehill as guest co-host, with Leafs Morning Take coming to you from the Barn Burner studio in Calgary for the second straight day.
As mentioned, that’s two in a row for the Maple Leafs. William Nylander, who spent the first year and a half of his life in Calgary, had a goal and two assists. Meantime, Joseph Woll made 28 stops as the Leafs doubled up Toronto 4-2. For the third time in four games, the Leafs didn’t receive a power play. Craig Berube really wouldn’t comment on that after the game. The Leafs improved to 24-5-1 in their last 30 games without Morgan Rielly in the lineup.
Suffice it is to say, this game in Edmonton’s a big one for Anthony Stolarz, who hasn’t been good in two outings since returning from his nerve issue. The 32-year-old, who’s allowed nine goals on 51 shots on goal, will be searching for his first victory since November 5th. For the third straight game, Troy Stecher, who loves referring to himself as a “suit case,” will play a former team. Of course, back in November, the Leafs claimed the veteran blueliner off waivers from Edmonton. He’s been awesome as a Maple Leaf.
Jay Rosehill returns for Wednesday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take as I head to Edmonton for Game 2 of the Alberta double. We’ll recap Leafs/Oilers, look ahead to the Olympic break, and welcome The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta to break down Toronto’s potential trade plans ahead of the Olympic trade freeze and the March 6 NHL trade deadline.