A big win for the Buds tonight, although not without its heart stopping moments. With Clarke MacCarthur scoring the game winner, despite the best effort a goalie could possibly make in Montoya's glove save that wasn't.

Jake Silver Stick Gardiner scored his first NHL goal tonight, a goal that tied it up in the middle of the third. Although it could easily be argued that perhaps he had some help with MacCarthur possibly creating a little goalie interference. Though as a Leafs fan, who cares!

More After the Break

Other notes include Kulemin's huge hit near the end of the second, as he and an Islanders defencemen went into the corner after a puck in the Islanders zone. Unfortunately, at the same time Lupul was also "accidentally" running into Tavares so Kuli's hit didn't get much air time, but way to go Kuli. Just an aside, Kulimen has definitely stepped up his game and his hitting has reached a new level ever since his huge open ice hit against the Sabre's Patrick Kaleta.

Lastly, Kessel needs a knight to fight his battles, because as a Leaf fan I know and appreciate Kessel's skill, but I also recognize his limitations. The reason I bring this up is not to re-hash the controversy that was stirred up when Burke made his comments about sending down Colton Battleship Orr, but because it was clear that Islanders' (usually considered a soft team) physicality with Kessel was affecting Kessel and throwing him off his game.

Moreover, if you watched the game and saw some of the ridiculous scrums that occurred after the whistle, it is clear that a sheriff is necessary for the Leafs. You could argue that Phaneuf, Brown or even Komisarek could fill that role, but the trade off of 5min without your top D-Man is not worth it for Phanuef to fill the role, Komisarek needs to watch his shoulders, and lastly Brown, while a fighter, is not a heavy weight and thus incapable of taking on all comers.

Again, Rosehill is needed, or perhaps Orr has learned to skate at an NHL level, but I highly doubt it.

As always let me know your thoughts.

- Corey S.