Reimer is back!

Not only is James Reimer back in the Leafs' line-up tonight, he'll be the starting goaltender against the dominant Boston Bruins.  This should provide as a boost of confidence for the team but we'll have to see how Reimer adjusts to playing in a fast paced game after being out of action for so long.  Gustavsson will be his backup tonight.

I've been trying to think of who the best person is to be in front of the Leafs' net to battle the big guys like Lucic and Horton.  In terms of defensemen, Phaneuf, Schenn, and Komisarek seem to be tough enough to handle them.  Gardiner, Gunnarsson, Franson, and Aulie look soft compared to the Bruins when trying to battle in front of the net.  Both Franson and Aulie are pretty big guys themselves but don't always use it to their advantage.  I'd look to see both Phaneuf and Schenn to be the two guys who stand in front of their own net and shove everyone out of the way while their linemates Gunnarsson and Gardiner to be the ones pressuring the Bruins' players.

Although Kessel has been playing well throughout the season so far, he's been pretty quiet against his old team.  We always say we're waiting for him to tear his old team apart with his speed and snapshot but he's only one guy.  If he can't do it, then we need others to bring it.  But it's easier said than done when you have to play against the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Tim Thomas.

In any case, I expect to see the Leafs to play even better than the last.  It's the fourth game between the two teams and they should have figured out by now how to win.  A good defensive game can go a long way.  Just look at Nashville.


Rest of the Hockey World
1. Red Hot Wings: Detroit Red Wings beat the Buffalo Sabres to extend their winning streak to 7 games.  You can never count a group of old guys out, especially when the group consists of Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and Zetterberg.  The good news for Buffalo is that Ryan Miller might be back tonight in net.
2. Boudreau failed as well: The new coach of the Anaheim Ducks couldn't pull a win in his debut, but the team did earn a point in a shootout loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.  Still, a win would have been great for him...and the Ducks.