The Leafs opened 2009 with a flat 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres. Toronto fell behind 2-0 in a game for the 14th time this season while mustering only 28 shots on goal at Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller. John Mitchell was the only player to score for the Leafs.
The Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago was a huge success with the visiting Detroit Red Wings prevailing 6-4.
At the World Junior Championships, Canada rests until Saturday while awaiting the winner of today’s Russia-Czech quarter-final. Zach Boychuk, who injured his ankle in Wednesday’s game against the United States, is optimistic that he’ll be ready to play.
Condolences go out to the family of 21-year-old Whitby Dunlops defenceman Don Sanderson, who passed away as a result of head trauma he suffered three weeks ago when his head hit the ice during a fight.
Leafs News
- Time to shuffle Toronto Sun
- Leafs have to play for now and not for draft day Toronto Sun
- Leafs’ New Year’s hangover Toronto Star
- Time to put old dog down? Toronto Star
- Leafs begin new year on losing note National Post
- Sabres turn over same old Leafs The Globe And Mail
- Time For Leafs And Cujo To Grasp Reality FAN 590
World Juniors
- Canada’s defence needs tuneup Ottawa Sun
- Canada-U.S. rivalry a heated affair Ottawa Sun
- Cool Canucks Ottawa Sun
- Boychuk hopeful for semi-final Ottawa Sun
- Unheralded Leaf pick makes noise Toronto Star
- Boychuk ‘optimistic’ about playing Toronto Star
- Swedes hoping their best is yet to come Ottawa Citizen
- Canada waits, and rests, as semifinal looms Ottawa Citizen
- Canada’s little big man pulls his weight The Globe And Mail
NHL and Hockey News
- Hockey player dies 3 weeks after fight CP
- Wings give Hawks the cold shoulder Toronto Sun
- Classic turning heads around NHL Toronto Sun
- Sabres shooting for consistency Toronto Sun
- Warm feelings abound after near-perfect Winter Classic Los Angeles Times
- Hockey Notes Toronto Star
- LaBarbera stellar in debut with Canucks Vancouver Sun
