First, Harold Druken, much to the disdain of local Leaf fans was claimed by the Carolina Hurricanes on waivers and sent to Lowell who ironically are the Leafs next opponent at home January 30th; Second, Mikael Tellqvist’s recall saw a rusty Sebastien Centomo go hot and cold over the weekend in the Baby Leaf nets; earning first star honours in a 33 save performance in Portland in a Leafs 4-3 victory and getting pulled in favour of Jamie Hodson in a 5-1 loss in Manchester. Centomo also earned a loss Friday in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Providence Bruins. Thirdly, Allan Rourke, arguably one of the Leafs better defencemen as of late did not play due to the death of Rourke’s grandmother earlier in the week. The defence wasn’t helped by the fact that Toronto had recalled Anders Eriksson.
The Leafs record now sits at 14-28-4-1, and their road record is now an unimpressive 7-16-1-1 away from the friendly confines of Mile One Stadium.
Brad Boyes, despite the team’s losses, has been on fire for the Leafs. The rookie forward scored both goals in Leaf losses in Providence and Manchester and also scored the game winner in the Portland game. Josh Holden, Dwayne Hay and Brad Leeb (with his 23rd of the season) tallied the other Leaf goals on the weekend (all in the Portland contest)
LEAFS NOTES:
Congrats to Mikael Tellqvist for earning his first NHL win in his first NHL Appearance. Tellqvist, relieving Trevor Kidd who left with back spasms, made nine saves to earn the victory in a 3-2 overtime win against Montreal Saturday night. Also, Congrats to former Bulldogs coach Claude Julien in earning his first NHL win with the Habs 3-2 win over Florida. Julien is a class act who earned a lot of respect around the AHL and future success is hoped, especially from those suffering Habs fans, desperate to get back in the playoffs.
The Leafs have allowed a league leading 177 goals against this season.
In a bit of a shocker, goaltender Jamie Hodson has been recalled by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hodson, 22, has split the season between St. John’s and Greensboro of the East Coast Hockey League. In three games with St. John’s, he has a record of 0-1-0 with a 3.10 goals against average. He had been serving as the backup for Sebastien Centomo and played in the Baby Leafs last game, making 10 saves in a 5-1 loss against Manchester after replacing Centomo in the second period.
This move, due to the probable injuries of Ed Belfour and Trevor Kidd has two question marks. Why wasn’t Sebastien Centomo recalled to be the fourth goalie? Who will be the backup to Centomo in St. John’s? (Possibly Mike Minard or perhaps JF Racine?) and finally, it proves what I’ve thought all along.
Glad to see Josh Holden back. Holden, one of the Leafs best offensive players is desperately needed to spark the offence of the Blue and White, who can’t rely on Brad Boyes’ heroics all the time.
Finally, congratulations to Leaf broadcaster Brian Rogers and his wife on their 25th wedding anniversary. Rog, ever the trooper, was on the road doing play by play on the big day. I’m sure love will be in the air when Brian returns from the roadtrip.
