To start this one off, I was at this game. I expected something special from this game, and bought tickets 2 days before.

I will never forget this game.

The puck drops, and they are off. The Leafs and Isles go back and forth for a couple minutes, both teams playing well. They both seem to have their legs. The Leafs want to bounce back from the loss to Carolina. The Isles want to continue their strong play this season. Then, at 2:51 of the first period, Antropov pots his third goal of the season on a tip-in from Kubina and Tucker. The ACC erupts, as an early goal is normally a good sign for this team. Roughly five minutes later, Ian White blasts home a slap shot at 7:49 to jump to a 2-0 lead. The first period continues at the Islanders end up pulling within 1 by the end of the first. The goal was a bit weak, but Raycroft’s view was partially blocked.

The second period starts. The Maple Leafs are in control, skating well, passing well, and getting many shots on goal. Then, at 7:15, something special happens. Or did it? Kaberle takes a pass from Blake and pots a backhand under the glove of Wade Dubielewicz. Andy Frost comes on the PA. He announces that Leafs Nation has a new points and assists leader in Mats Sundin! I thought to myself… Sundin didn’t touch the puck. But, maybe he did and I just didn’t see it. Sundin is my favourite player, and has been for years. This is what I wanted to see by coming to this specific game. I go bonkers! Everyone is going nuts! Mats gets 2 standing ovations from this howling crowd! What a special moment for him, AND for the fans. The Leafs continue with their scoring touch and get two more tallies before the end of the period.

As the third period begins, Andy Frost comes back on the PA. It is announced that Sundin never touched the puck, and the point, along with the records, has been taken away. NO! Boos erupt from the crowd. Imagine how embarrassed Sundin must feel. The standing ovations, the cheers, the moment was all for nothing. Sundin is humble about everything, as he normally is, and takes his seat on the bench. I am very disappointed. Technically what happened is right, but how could the NHL take that away? Play resumes. The Leafs are playing very well, and Sundin is playing for a point. At 2:28, Wozniewski gets his first NHL goal. The Leafs get coming, and at about half way through the third, Sundin is streaking up the left wing side. He fires at the net. The puck streaks towards the goal, deflects off the defencemans skate, and into the net! The record is back! This time, its the points record and the goals record! The crowd erupts even louder, and this time, Sundin is all smiles. Very big smiles. He did it again, and this time, he actually did it. Needless to say, I spilled my beer everywhere. Apologies to the guy sitting beside me,

Simon Gamache gets his first goal as a Maple Leaf (another thing I wanted to see), and the game finishes in an 8-1 drubbing. The Leafs successfully came back from their loss to Carolina, Sundin gets the records, and Gamache scores his first as a Leaf. It’s now time for the three stars. Once again, Andy Frost comes on the PA to make the announcement. The third star is Mats Sundin. The Leafs fans give a load Boo at their disapproval of Sundin being the third star. Then the second star. Mats Sundin. We all realize what’s happening here, and everyone in the place cheers their approval. First star. Mats Sundin!

This was a fitting end for a game that had it all. It is a game that I will never forget. My favourite player breaks scoring records on my favourite team. Mats Sundin will go down in history as one of the greatest players, and captains, of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Congratulations Mats!