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!

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