Game 43: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Buffalo Sabres L3-2

[McPwnage]

(22-15-5) Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabress (18-19-5)​

full preview: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl/preview?gid=2012011302

A four-game winning streak has boosted the Toronto Maple Leafs? hopes of finally reaching the playoffs for the first time since the NHL?s season-long lockout in 2004-05.  A home-and-home sweep of sputtering Buffalo would hurt the Sabres? chances of joining them.  After shutting out the Sabres earlier this week, Toronto can open a 10-point advantage over its Northeast Division rival if it posts another regulation victory Friday night in Buffalo.  Seeking to bring the NHL postseason to Canada?s largest city for the first time since 2004, the Maple Leafs (22-15-5) have jumped to seventh place in the Eastern Conference after sweeping a four-game homestand to begin 2012.  It?s been nearly five years since they last won five in a row, although they?ll have to end a three-game road skid to match that feat.

McPwnage GDT Record: 7-4-2

 

[TML fan]

If we are winning by a lot or losing by a lot, I want to see Lupul and Gerbe fight.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Probably going to miss this one, or at least some of it, so hopefully you all post enough.

 

[KGB]

A 10 point lead in January is hardly insurmountable, but to take 2 more points from the Sabres tonight would be a huge kick in the shins to their playoff hopes.  For so many years, the Sabres used these games against the Leafs to kick start their season.  For once can we turn the tables?  This is probably the most important game the Leafs have played this year.  Let's hope they play like they realize it. 

 

[Zee]

I'm never confident when the Leafs go into Buffalo.

 

[Mikhail Bloodnovsky]

I'm never confident when the Leafs go into Buffalo.

Last game in Buffalo was a barn burner. Looking forward to this one.

 

[ZBBM]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

 

[bustaheims]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Gus has been good against the Rags this season (though, to be fair, the Rangers haven't looked great in the 2 games against the Leafs), but, tonight's game is probably more important. I'd go with Gustavsson tonight, and let Reimer go up against a team that appears to struggle against the Leafs.

 

[Zee]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Gus has been good against the Rags this season (though, to be fair, the Rangers haven't looked great in the 2 games against the Leafs), but, tonight's game is probably more important. I'd go with Gustavsson tonight, and let Reimer go up against a team that appears to struggle against the Leafs.

I'm of the "hot hand" school of thought.  If Gustavsson wins tonight and plays a strong game (as opposed to Buffalo doing nothing), I say start him again tomorrow.

 

[Erndog]

I have a bad feeling about tonight.  This game just means so much to the Sabres, and we beat them the other night... they are in danger of really putting themselves in a hole with a loss tonight.  We also traditionally have so much trouble in Buffalo (remember last year when Crabb scored that shorty with 10 min left to beat Buffalo 2-1?  That was great!).

A win tonight would be absolutely fantastic.

 

[Zee]

I have a bad feeling about tonight.  This game just means so much to the Sabres, and we beat them the other night... they are in danger of really putting themselves in a hole with a loss tonight.  We also traditionally have so much trouble in Buffalo (remember last year when Crabb scored that shorty with 10 min left to beat Buffalo 2-1?  That was great!).

A win tonight would be absolutely fantastic.

I'm in the same boat.  I'm hoping for a win but expecting a loss.  Especially with the Leafs on a 4 game winning streak, i can't remember the last time this team won 5 straight.

 

[Kessel_81]

Go Leafs Go

 

[gunnar36]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

I think Gus had the Sabres number a couple of nights ago as well.  I would stick with Gus, the team is playing like a more confident bunch with him between the pipes and no so much with Reimer. 
If he is solid again tonight, i would stick with him B2B as well.

 

[Kaberle15]

it is friday the 13th, so, what about a Leaf regulation win in Buffalo for a change ?

Go Leafs Go, (And I would start Reimer tonight and Gus tomorrow).

3-1 Lupul and Kessel with 3 points each.

 

[Bullfrog]

A 10 point lead in January is hardly insurmountable, but to take 2 more points from the Sabres tonight would be a huge kick in the shins to their playoff hopes.  For so many years, the Sabres used these games against the Leafs to kick start their season.  For once can we turn the tables?  This is probably the most important game the Leafs have played this year.  Let's hope they play like they realize it.

I don't really see this game as more or less important than any other. The next time they play Boston would be important, because they're a potential first round opponent.

 

[lc9]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Why should goalies not play B2B, and this really isn't a back to back, its 3 days later and Gus is coming off of 2 shutouts in 3 games.  It would be questionable not to start him.

 

[Zee]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Why should goalies not play B2B, and this really isn't a back to back, its 3 days later and Gus is coming off of 2 shutouts in 3 games.  It would be questionable not to start him.

Gustavsson is starting.  Depending on how difficult a game it is tonight, and how many shots he faces, I can see him starting again tomorrow if the Leafs win tonight.

 

[applecheeks]

I'm never confident when the Leafs go into Buffalo.

WHY, why do you do this every game?  you talk like a good leaf fan and then game day you turn into mr. dark cloud. Is this part of your pre game ritual?  I have to laugh, cause you are so consistent with your Eyore getup.

I hope you watch the game. This team is playing well and try to be Mr. Optimistic.

 

[AvroArrow]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Why should goalies not play B2B, and this really isn't a back to back, its 3 days later and Gus is coming off of 2 shutouts in 3 games.  It would be questionable not to start him.

I think ZZ's referring to tonight's and tomorrow's game, which are B2B.

 

[ZBBM]

Reimer or Gus?  I'd go with Reimer, myself.  I don't think goalies should play B2B and Gus certainly seems to have the Rangers' number.

Why should goalies not play B2B, and this really isn't a back to back, its 3 days later and Gus is coming off of 2 shutouts in 3 games.  It would be questionable not to start him.

I think ZZ's referring to tonight's and tomorrow's game, which are B2B.

Yes.

Well, if Gus loses tonight it should make it easy for Wilson to let Reimer take the Rags.  If Gus wins, the decision is harder.  Like I said, IMO there's no reason to play goalies B2B, even if one is in the middle of winning streak.  That would be letting superstition win out over reason.