TMLRI: October 13th - 4-1 Loss vs Colorado Avalanche

The Leafs, sporting a slightly shaken up roster, came out with a lot more energy than they displayed in previous outings, and even carried the play for most of the first period. Unfortunately, they were unable to score early on and eventually their lack of discipline and lackadasical play in their own zone crept up. Goaltending was still a level below what they need to get over this hump and they simply did not have the confidence to surmount a comeback as the wheels began to fall off the wagon again.

Colorado Avalanche 4 at Toronto Maple Leafs 1

Goaltender
MacDonald (4) Like Toskala’s games so far this year, the goals against Macdonald were not all his fault. But, he did not make enough saves or at the times they needed them.

Defensemen
Beauchemin (6) Seemed more comfortable and making stronger decisions. Scored on a great shot on the powerplay, which should help with the confidence.
White (5) Apart from a lost battle that lead to the first Avalanche goal, White was steady.
Kaberle (5) For the most part, not a big factor in this game.
Exelby (5) Other than a meaningless fight, he was not very noticeable.
Schenn (4) Schenn did not stand out. He needs to be more of a factor on the ice.
Komisarek (4) Looked more comfortable than he has in previous games, but still got caught up playing too aggressively while trying to make things happen and took a couple of costly penalties.

Forwards
Bozak (6) Live legs helped the Leafs get off to a good start. Got his first NHL point on Beauchemin’s goal.
Wallin (6) Stood his ground and made a lot of small plays to keep the team out of trouble. Seems to be gaining the trust from his coach to play different situations.
Grabovski (6) Skated hard and set up Ponikarovsky a couple of times, but like all of his teammates, not producing as needed.
Stempniak (6) Once again, one of the most industrious Toronto forwards, but once again, could not finish his chances off.
Ponikarovsky (6) A lot more active in the offensive zone, got a lot of pucks on net, but no goals.
Orr (5) A heavyweight tussle with David Koci got things going early and continued to forecheck and agitate throughout the game.
Rosehill (5) His speed is useful and he gets to the spots where the puck is going, but has not made much of a difference yet.
Stalberg (5) Like Bozak, good positive energy to begin the game, but as the lead mounted, was less of a factor.
Blake (5) Much more of a factor than in the last couple of games. He was hustling for pucks and driving to the net.
Mayers (5) Skated well and seemed to have a little better game than the last few. But, still is not getting a whole lot done.
Kulemin (4) Very silent performance. Accomplished very little.
Mitchell (4) Unspectacular game. Did not stand out playing on the fourth line and seems to becoming less of a factor. Seems burdened by the centre role.

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