Harold Ballard being happy is a… new experience in Toronto. Even more shocking is that Ballard was still being patient enough to stick with a rebuild approach DESPITE his team going on a 12-0-1 run.
Game 26 - 6-6 T @ LAK
The Leafs scored 5 goals in the 2nd, but the Kings responded with 4 goals in the final 22 minutes to end things in a draw. Zarley Zalapski powered the Leafs’ offense with 4A and 9 SOG, while Dave Reid and Gary Leeman each had 1G 2A. The Kings received 2G and 1A apiece from Bernie Nicholls and Steve Duchesne. It was frustrating to see another lead fall away late, but not a shocker considering they were playing the veteran-laden Kings. On a positive note, Ed Olczyk now has an assist in 10 straight games.
Game 27 - 8-2 W @ STL
Toronto thumped the Blues, outshooting them 37-16. They led 4-1 after the first period and never looked back. Strong performances across the board, but the checking line came up huge: Reid, Ron Wilson and Mike Hough combined for 2G and 6A. Ed Olczyk also had a great game, with 3A and +2. Unfortunately, Reid suffered a mild abdominal strain, and will miss a week or so.
NHL News: Bernie Nicholls had a HUGE night a few days later, going 5-1-6 for the LAK in a 10-4 dismantling of WPG. This puts Nicholls at an astounding 30G in 29 GP.
Game 28 - 6-3 L @ DET
A disappointing loss to a struggling Wings team. Detroit outshot Toronto 43-27 despite not having Steve Yzerman in the lineup. The Leafs came out looking tired; no one had a particularly strong game, and Mike Hough was so bad that Taylor chewed him out after the game. Meanwhile, Miroslav Frycer (apparently angry at being traded by Toronto last summer) took it to the Leafs with a 2G 2A night. Ed Belfour was actually solid in the loss, stopping 37 of 42. DET’s Peter Klima was unfortunately injured in the game, with a calf strain putting him out for 2-3 weeks. This loss also ended Eddie O’s assist streak at 11 games.
Game 29 - 6-2 W v DET
Toronto decided to come out of the gate swinging, taking a 3-1 lead in the first 12 minutes. Al Iafrate had a great game with 3A, while Brad Marsh contributed 2G. Ed Olczyk assisted on both of Gary Leeman’s goals, and Ken Wregget had a solid night with 21 saves on 23 shots. But the loss was costly; Leeman suffered a Latissimus Dorsi Strain (if I had a nickel…) and will miss 2-3 weeks.
Game 30 - 5-2 W v CGY
The Flames have not dominated as expected, and this loss left them just two games above .500. Toronto’s three goals in the 2nd, including Olczyk’s goal literally at the end of the period (20:00 time stamp), sealed the deal. Vinny Damphousse had 2G and 1A, and John Cullen had 2A. Belfour was again solid, stopping 20 of 22.
Game 31 - 5-4 L v EDM
A back-and-forth game with plenty of lead changes, and shots were almost even (43-42 for EDM). Jari Kurri’s 2G 2A effort proved too much for Toronto, despite a 1G 2A night from Olczyk. Wregget and Grant Fuhr each made 38 saves, but Edmonton was just a LITTLE better tonight.
Game 32 - 3-2 L @ NJ
Toronto outshot New Jersey 48-22, but Sean Burke absolutely robbed Toronto with 46 saves. The game was 2-2 after the 1st, and then Burke decided he was shutting the door. Ed Olczyk’s frustration was evident when Pat Verbeek suckered him into a fight, resulting in Olczyk receiving a 5 and 10. Zarley Zalapski had 2A, but no one else had a particularly strong night. Belfour unfortunately had a weak showing, allowing 3 goals on 22 shots.
Game 33 - 7-2 L v PHI
Toronto is officially in a funk; they were outshot 50-20 and surrendered 4 goals in the 2nd to put the game away. The nastiness spilled over into a pair of vicious fights; one with Daniel Marois and Jay Wells, the other with Todd Gill and Scott Mellanby. All four players got 5 and 10. Peter Zezel and Ilka Sinsalo each had 2G and 1A, while JJ Daignuealt had 3A. Belfour again struggled, stopping just 36 of 43 before being replaced by Wregget with 12 min left.
Game 34 - 2-2 T v STL
The Leafs outshot the Blues 39-25, and led 2-1 after the first. But then Vincent Riendeau shut the door, with 37 saves on the night. Vinny Damphousse had 2A and the Leafs played well, but Riendeau goalied them.
NHL News: Larry Murphy’s 3-2-5 night for WSH was wasted in a 6-6 T vs. NYR
Game 35 - 4-4 T v PIT
Toronto is now winless in five games. The Leafs scored 3 goals over an 8:26 span in the 3rd period to take a 4-3 lead, but Dan Quinn scored on the PP with 4 min left to tie. Paul Coffey had 2G 1A in a great showing, while the Leafs relied on a balanced effort. Belfour again struggled, allowing 4 on 27.
NHL News: Dennis Savard reached the 900-point mark for CHI
Game 36 - 4-2 W @ BUF
Toronto snapped their skid, outshooting the Sabres 53-30 and never trailing in the game. Dan Daoust, skating in Leeman’s spot, had a nice 1G 1A evening. Ed Belfour had a great night stopping 28 of 30, while Tom Barasso did his best to keep Buffalo in it with an incredible 49 saves. Unfortunately, Damphousse will miss a few days and Zalapski will miss a week, each due to minor injuries suffered in the win.
NHL News: Jari Kurri reached 900 points in just 629 games with EDM