Since Toskala has played numerous games recently, and party because he was pulled in Ottawa, Raycroft get the start in net for this one. Raycroft also plays pretty well in Buffalo. The last game here, about 2 weeks ago, saw the Leafs lose in overtime on a own-goal by McCabe. Maurice said the game was Raycroft’s best performance in a long time. Let’s see if he can live up to these expectations.

The first period was fast and furious. Buffalo controlled the puck most of the period, and ended up getting 15 shots on net. In comparison, the Leafs only had 4. While Buffalo got numerous shots away, the Leafs actually played a very strong defensive game. Most of the 15 shots were perimeter shots, but some were good scoring chances. There was one late in the first that Raycroft dove to his right to stop a point blank shot. Highlight reel for sure.

Most of the second period was played the same. The Leafs were playing fantastic defense while the Sabres could not get anything going. Finally, at 19:24 of the second, Mats Sundin won a faceoff in the Sabres zone, the puck goes right to McCabe, and the slap shot finds twine! Welcome back Bryan! Leafs fans boo him for scoring the own-goal, and now we cheer for him for breaking the 0-0 tie.

The third period was a defensive gem. The best defensive period the Maple Leafs have played all season. This is big for a team known for their third period collapses. Mats Sundin puts the Leafs ahead by two at 2:54, and Boyd Devereaux puts the game away 19:01. The Sabres never tally and Raycroft get shis 6th career shutout, and the teams first of the year.

Maurice has said he’ll play who gets hot, and Raycroft just had a fantastic game. Who gets the net tomorrow at home to New York?