Olympic Break! - OH NO CANADA!

We take a break from our usual topic of the Toronto Maple Leafs due to the Olympic break. Instead we will be breaking down what happened in tonights huge game in Mens hockey in Vancouver between Canada and the United States.

I was a strong believer that Roberto Luongo should have gotten the start in goal for Canada on Sunday night, but instead Canadas head coach Mike Babcock went with the veteran Martin Brodeur.... Big mistake. Right off the bat Broduer looks like he was trying to put on a show with his stick play, and every time he had the puck it seemed it ended in a chance for the US.

Canada Physically controlled the U.S. team, with Rick Nash leading the way in dishing out major open-ice hits. The problem was that their work in the face-off circle was very off Sunday night the US was better by a two-to-one margin in the first two periods.

Canada scored three goals: by Eric Staal, on a tip-in; by Dany Heatley, on a jam from the side of the net; and then a final tally by Sidney Crosby to draw the Canadians within a goal and provide them with a little hope.

On their next shift, Crosby's line absolutely stuned the Americans in the zone and did everything but punch in the tying goal. But in the same way Jonas Hiller had a huge outing for the Swiss a couple of nights ago, it was Miller's time yesterday.

He stopped 42 out of 45 shots that he faced, and held the team in there at different moments when the ice seemed tilted Canada's way.

Canada now has a much longer route to the Gold, with a game a against Germany next then the always scary Russian Squad.... But i still Believe.... Go Canada Go!

Giguere, Leafs win big one for the Burke family

On Saturday night the Toronto Maple Leaf players,coaches,staff members and fans were under a cloud of sadness due to the sudden loss of General manager Brian Burke's youngest son Brendon,21.He passed away Friday night succumbing to injury's received in a car accident in Indiana.The Leafs won it for Brendon and his family due to the outstanding goal tending by J.S Giguere and some great play out of unlikely players to come up with a dominating 5-0 win over one of the NHL's hottest teams the Ottawa Senators who had won eleven straight coming into last nights game.

J.S Giguere began his Toronto Maple Leaf career last Tuesday with a shutout win in New Jersey 3-0, four days later on Saturday night with the loss of Brendon Burke heavy in his heart J.S again was perfect making 30 saves for his second consecutive shutout and becomes the first ever Toronto Maple Leaf goalie to begin his Leaf career with two straight shut outs, and the first to in the NHL since Jeff Hackett in 01/02 with Philidelphia. J.S Giguere is very close to the Burke family due his time as a member of the 2007 cup winning Anaheim Ducks whom Brian Burke was the GM, he express his extreme condolences to the family before game time.

The dark horse in the Calgary trade was really Fredrik Sjostrom, but he has taken little time to prove his worth. The former 11th overall draft selection has made significant improvements to what was the worst penalty kill in the NHL. His hard work is impossible to miss, he skates hard every shift and gives all he can to help the team. The points he is gathering is a bonus, he was not acquired for his offensive skills (6 Pts in 46 games before trade) but I'm sure the coaches will not mind the added offense,and his ice time may keep improving.

Some final Notes, Luke Schenn Doubles his Career high in goals in one game! Well lets be honest his career high is now four from last years two, but his significant improvement of play cannot be overlooked. After a rough start to his sophomore season, Lucky Luke is back. He is making big hits, smart plays, and don't look now... even showing some offensive up side.... I think the acquisition of Dion Phaneuf will do wonders for the progression of Schenns game, we all have to remember... he is only 20 years old!

Go Leafs Go!

Here are the highlights if you missed the action.