The first game since the 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens that the Thrashers score more than three goals, and they still managed to lose. A two goal third period for the Maple Leafs began with a Nikolai Kulemin goal that Dustin Byfuglien assisted on. A blind pass back to presumably Johnny Oduya wound up right on Kulemin’s stick. To be fair to Ondrej Pavelec, he wasn’t set for that shot because absolutely no one expects a defenseman that people consider to be a Norris Trophy candidate to pull a move like that.
Toronto’s game winning goal, scored by Tim Brent with assists from former Thrashers Joey Crabb and Colby Armstrong, was thanks to Tim Stapleton being a shrinking violet and not being able to maintain puck control near the boards. For someone who was played consistently by coach Craig Ramsay over Niclas Bergfors for his grittiness and things of that nature, Stapleton adds very little to the game over Bergfors.
Andrew Ladd scored a dirty goal at the front of the net in a scrum, but it proved to be too little too late as the Thrashers still sit tied for eighth place with the Carolina Hurricanes playing the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night.
Chris Thorburn had another excellent game tonight. Thorburn has never taken a game off this season, and tonight was no exception, with him blocking a shot that came dangerously close to his face. Bryan Little and Rich Peverley each had two assists on the evening, and Zach Bogosian had two assists with a +1 rating. Alexander Burmistrov took a turn at playing goaltender, blocking a few of Colby Armstrong’s empty net attempts.
Burmie might be getting the start in net Friday night when the Rangers come to town.