Posts Tagged Vesa Toskala
Toskala Feeling the Heat
Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2009
Only 2 games into the regular season in Toronto and Vesa Toskala is already feeling the pressure. This is the start that Toskala was hoping to avoid, but after losing the opener to Montreal, a game that the Leafs out-shot the Habs by an almost a 2 to 1 margin before losing in overtime, Toskala followed that up with a disastrous first period Saturday night against the Washington Capitals, giving 3 goals on 8 shots in the process and finding himself on the bench to start the second period.
It should be mentioned that the teams defense has been terrible, and Toskala has received little to no help, but that doesn’t really change his situation as far as keeping his starting job is concerned. When Brian Burke went to Sweden in the summer to try to entice Jonas Gustavsson to sign in Toronto (he was ultimately successful in signing the Monster) the writing was on the wall for Toskala. This isn’t to say he was being replaced right away but he really needed to get off to great start personally, regardless of what the team in front of him was doing.
If Vesa could have made a couple big saves, had some kind of influence on the out come of the games he’s played, you could then suggest that with some help from his defense he’d win more games then he’d lose. In fact, it’s likely Toskala’s shaky goal tending that could be leading to a lot of the poor defensive plays in the first place.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have not announced who will start Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators but the simple fact they won’t say leads one to believe it will be Jonas Gustavsson. This is a long way from the stance that Burke and Wilson had of Toskala being the undisputed starter just a couple weeks ago.
The reality for Vesa Toskala is that he had the chance to put the whole situation to rest (at least for a little while) with a couple of strong starts, make a good impression early, and get the media off his back. The control of his fate could very well be in the hands of the Monster now, but if the Leafs start Jonas Gustavsson against the hated Ottawa Senators, they’re #1 rival, the decision might have already been made.
Around the Boards – Oct. 5th
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2009
The NHLPA is following in the NHL footsteps in having a negative situation surrounding it’s association. The NHLPA’s firing of Paul Kelly continues to be in the news.
The Florida Panthers have signed center Dominic Moore to a 1 year, $1.1 million deal. File this one under the category “Damn, I blew that one”. Moore was reportedly offered a contract by the Maple Leafs last season worth around $4-5 million for 2 years, Moore thought he was worth more. Moore recorded 41 points in 63 games with the Leafs and Sabres. Moore saw plenty of ice time with Leafs which led to his exaggerated stats, he struggled in Buffalo. Burke stole a 2nd round pick for him at the deadline.
So after 3 days to open the 2009-10 NHL season, the geniuses behind the NHL scheduling don’t schedule a game for Sunday night, only 2 for Monday. I don’t get it.
Toews and Kane may be split up, for the time being at least. Kane was lined up with Dave Bolland and Dustin Byfuglien in Finland. Toews, Sharp and Versteeg makes up a solid line.
Ron Wilson has told Vesa Toskala and Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson who will start the next game, Wilson isn’t telling the media as of yet.
The Rangers are searching for defencemen, and might have to make a trade to get one. They have only 6 Dmen, with 2 of them being rookies, Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto.
Jonas Gustavsson has minor heart procedure
“Gustavsson experienced a racing heartbeat following fitness tests Saturday, took part in on-ice sessions Monday and, when he didn’t appear at the NHL club’s practice facility Tuesday, Wilson was asked about the Swede’s absence.
Doctors have performed an ablation, which requires an incision in the groin area, said Wilson.
“They go in and touch a part of his heart that was misfiring,” said Wilson. “It’s a simple procedure that’s actually fairly common with athletes. “(source:TSN)
Leaf fans should be able to breath a sigh of relief here. By all accounts it’s a minor procedure and fairly common. The interesting point of the article is the inference that he’ll be battling for the back up job with Joey MacDonald behind Vesa Toskala as the starter. It would seem to me that most fans are anticipating “The Monster” will be battling with Toskala for the starting role, and a push from Gustavsson could be just the right motivation to get Toskala to return to form this season.
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