The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their four game road trip with back to back games in California facing Los Angeles and San Jose. In addition to taking some Vitamin D from the sunny weather the Blue and White also took four points as they won both games. Both games were very similar in how they played out. Reimer made some huge saves early, and remained solid the entire game. The Leafs gave up the lead, tied it, and took the lead, before giving up the equalizing goal. Ultimately, the Leafs would get the wins by scoring in the third, and some frantic final moments would preserve the victories. That was the script in a nutshell for the Maple Leafs time in Hollywood. Phil Kessel would score pivotal goals in both games, with Kulemin and MacArthur contributing with goals against the Kings and the Sharks respectively. These wins would not have been possible without the contributions of Marlies call ups Joey Crabb, Darryl Boyce, and of course James Reimer. Crabb assisted on both Kessel goals, while Boyce scored his second goal of the season. James Reimer was simply outstanding in both efforts stopping a combined 70 of 74 shots. The young goaltender now has a 4W - 1L record with a 1.92 goals against average and a .947 save percentage. The team seems to play a more sound defensive game in front of Reimer, as opposed to the main goal tending duo. There has been talk that Giguere is healthy enough to return from a groin injury, and could possibly play the next game against the Coyotes. This would be a mistake as far as I'm concerned. The Maple Leafs and Reimer are in a groove right now, and there is no need to disrupt that. Reimer is a key reason why the Leafs have won 4 games in a row, and five of their last six. It makes sense to ride the hot hand. Ron Wilson has always preached that players have to earn their spot to play for the Maple Leafs. Well, if he's a man of his word, Reimer will start on Thursday. He's earned that,while Giguere and his injury plagued, mediocre season has not.
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