Let's take a look at the Maple Leafs

by FrankD on Oct 10, 2009 11:14 AM EDT in 2009-10 game previews

If it feels like it's been forever since the Penguins beat the Maple Leafs than you'd be somewhat accurate. Try almost a year ago - October 18, 2008. That's the last time the Penguins pulled off a win over the Leafs; a 4-1 victory on home ice. Since then the Penguins have dropped three straight and remain winless in three visits to the Air Canada Centre.

To make matters worse, Toronto has yet to pick up a win this season (0-2-1). In other words, Pittsburgh's gotta want it more.

The Pens are entering the second game of their four-game road trip tonight. If kicking off the series against Philly wasn't bruising enough, in Toronto they take on a tougher (read: more truculent) Maple Leafs team than the one they came across last season. You can't really use the preseason as the barometer for any team, but it comes close enough for TO. In other words, expect Eric Godard in the lineup again as he will likely dance with Colton Orr at some point.

Here's an analogy for the day - Jason Blake is to Pittsburgh as Sidney Crosby is to Philadelphia. You all know how good Sid performs against the Flyers, and Blake's handy work is no different against the Pens. 24 goals and 23 assists for a total of 47 points over 46 games. Former Leaf and current Thrasher Nik Antropov used to enjoy the same level of success against Pittsburgh as well.

Puck drops at 7pm. You can catch this one on the NHL Network.

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This can’t be a repeat of the Coyotes game.

by RCheli on Oct 10, 2009 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

I think they realized that they cant play to the level of the competition when they played the coyotes. Plus they know that the leafs were a thorn in our side last year so I doubt they take them lightly.

Heres to seeing fleury get a shutout though.

by Repperson29 on Oct 10, 2009 6:41 PM EDT reply actions