This was an early start, 5:00 PM local in Phoenix, and the Leafs played the night before. You can make an argument for the Leafs being tired, but the disgusting showing by the team in this game can not be fully blamed on drowsiness.

The Coyotes came out blazing, firing a total of 15 shots on goal in the first period. Raycroft allowed 2 semi-soft goals by 8:24 of the first period. After the second, he was pulled by Paul Maurice and replaced by Toskala. Maybe we could climb back….

Not to be the case. Toskala was beat on the first shot 18 seconds after coming into the game. So is this a goaltender issue or a team issue? It’s easy to point fingers at either side, but when it comes down to it, it’s a little from both.

The Maple Leafs played a disgusting brand of hockey. They were chasing the puck around the ice and could not get anything going. Wellwood got on the board in the first, but the Coyotes answered right back to lead 4-1 going into the break.

The game tightened up the rest of the way. But the first period did the Leafs in, who couldn’t muster any other good scoring chances. The final score was 5-1, and the Maple Leafs left the Desert hanging their heads in shame.