Solid Leaf Win in the Nation's Capital.

There were many storylines coming into tonights game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators. The usual Battle of Ontario Buzz was alive and well, coupled with the new-found Orr-Carkner feud, as well as the Maple Leafs 3 game win streak against the Senators. As Coach Ron Wilson mentioned in his post-game press conference, the Leafs played a very solid road game, and the score was indicative of that. It was quite evident that the Leafs were out playing the Senators for the most part. Most of the battle were being won by the blue and white and they were definitely out working their opponent, something that has become a strong traite for this team in an otherwise dismal season. There were many positive notes to this game however. The strong and improving play of Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson and Viktor Stalberg was again very evident. There is no doubt that Bozak belongs in the NHL, whether it is on the Leafs top line is up for debate, but what is certain is that the line of Kulemin-Bozak-Kessel has found some chemistry and are playing very well together. Kulemin has also been very impressive this past year, and is being rewarded with first line minutes and is responding by putting up points and continually being one of the hardest workers on the ice every shift. The Monster came up with a very solid effort in goal tonight. Receiving lots of praise from Greg Millen during the game the Monster is showing a lot of improvements on his game from the beginning of the year. Adjusting to not only North America but also a more refined goaltending style under goalie coach Francois Allaire, it is not that surprising that this is more of a learning year for Gustavsson than a coming out party, but putting together a string of games with an effort like this, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will become the Leafs goalie of the future. While there may not have been anything to play for, at least for the Leafs, they did come out with a very good effort. I understand that since they've missed the playoffs they've always played well when the pressure is off, but this years squad is a little different than past years with the number of young players trying to prove that they belong in the NHL. All in all a very good win for the blue and white. Go Leafs GO