Prior to this match-up, it is announced that Bryan McCabe is sitting out with a small groin problem. This seems strange. It comes after a stretch of games where McCabe has heard the Leaf fans wrath. Is he actually injured, or is this just an excuse? Is it just to cover up the fact that he was benched? Mull over that for a bit… on to the game.

The Leafs are 0-4-1 in their last 5 games against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This team has to break out soon, it is inevitable. Let’s hope the Leafs can manage to start their road trip on a positive note. The first period was pretty much even. The shots were 10-6 in favour of the Leafs, but the Leaf killer Crosby nets one to lead 1-0 after one period.

The second period was a reversed story. The shots were in favour of the Penguins, but Alex Steen fires home a wrist shot at 10:18 to tie the game. The entire period was close, with intense play on both sides. So far the game has been played pretty evenly. This is saying a lot for the Leafs, who historically have problems skating with faster, younger teams.

The dreaded third period. Does anyone see a pattern here with the third? The first thought is ‘Oh no.’ But… the Leafs look different today. 5 regulars are out with injuries. This means their young players get their chance to make themselves heard. Stajan, Steen and Tlusty are on a line together. This is Tlusty’s first NHL regular season game. At 1:45 of the thrid, with Stajan, Steen and Tlusty doing a great job of cycling the puck, the pass goes from Tlusty to Steen, and Steen rips a slap shot that finds the back of the net. Tlusty was rewarded for an assist; his first NHL point. The shot looked like it deflected off someone in front, maybe Tlusty, but the goal is rewarded to Steen. As Joe Bowen and Greg Millen are discussing this defelction, Kubina passes the puck up ice to Tlusty. Jiri Tlusty corals the puck and busts down the left wing side. This kid is fast! He blows past the defenceman, fakes for a split second, and snaps the shot over Fleury’s arm. Goal! First NHL assist, and now first NHL goal. Congratulations Tlusty, and welcome to the Maple Leafs!

The period continues, and this third period has different fortunes for the Maple Leafs. Toman Kaberle and Boyd Devereaux both add goals in the third. The only other Pittsburgh goal came at 14:51 of the third when Sergei Gonchar blasted home a slap shot on a power play. And wouldn’t you know it? The assist Tlusty received from the second Steen goal actually did go off his backside! Two goals in his first NHL game! What a feeling this kid must have had at that moment.

This entire game was played well by the Maple Leafs. They still paraded to the penalty box, but the special teams held their own in most situations. The entire team looked loose, and looked like they were having fun in a game. This is good news for all of us. Looks like a road trip was just what the doctor ordered. Toskala started this game as well, making it two in a row. Based solely on his on-ice performance, he deserves to get a third.