Leafs Playoff Run Fades Away
The 5-4 loss tonight to the Buffalo Sabres is a tough one to swallow. First off it pointed to the biggest factor in why the Leafs will not make the playoffs. Andrew Raycroft. Name one game the Leafs played in which they had the better goalie. Name one big save Raycroft has made to perserve a win. Problem is you can't. Again tonight the Leafs are the better team, just like in Montreal last Saturday, just like they have been in 70% of the games this year. I had one friend who told me the Leafs cheaped out in net with pay, but Halak for Montreal isn't making much and outplayed Raycroft, and by that reasoning Khabibulin should be leading the NHL.
Tonight Raycroft lets in an AHL goal for the 2nd goal, and then the flood gates open. I just pray Justin Pogge isn't a bust. Just a heartbreaker tonight, and if I am the coach or players, How do you trust a goalie who hasn't made a big save all year?
Tonight Raycroft lets in an AHL goal for the 2nd goal, and then the flood gates open. I just pray Justin Pogge isn't a bust. Just a heartbreaker tonight, and if I am the coach or players, How do you trust a goalie who hasn't made a big save all year?
posted by Bill Sandison | 10:39 PM
3 Comments:
I think you're wrong on this being Andrew Raycroft's fault. He's a good goaltender who is only in his third freaking season. Man, to expect him to be a saviour is a bit unrealistic I think. Anyway, he has made some big stops, and has won the team a game or two... I recall one in Tampa earlier in the season where he won it himself. How about the stops in the game after the one you just reviewed against Pominville and Briere. If the defence didn't stand around like swiss cheese sometimes, or found ways to get the puck out of the zone... it boggles my mind when I think about some of the limp wristed clearing attempts these guys make, Raycroft would probably look a lot better.
The reason the Leafs won't make the playoffs this year is that their best player hasn't been their best player in the last month or more of the season. Mats Sundin cannot simply provide assists... your best forward has to score.
Combine that with their highest paid player being a constant defensive liability (whilst playing on the blueline) and it's hard to blame anything on a goaltender in his third season.
Oh... and finally, the main reason why the Leafs won't make the playoffs this year. They make other goaltenders look amazing. I seriously don't know what it is, but man, they do a great job at making opposing netminders appear as though they are Vezina candidates.
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