Gary Roberts
The Leafs acquired a lot more than a former 50-goal scorer and Stanley Cup winner when they signed unrestricted free agent Gary Roberts on July 4, 2000. They acquired a true leader with a track record of inspiring teammates through his example and passion for the game. Gary missed the entire 1996-97 season after being placed on the voluntary retired list to recover from serious neck and shoulder injuries.
Yet his diligence in training for a comeback, when some had ruled it impossible, earned Gary the NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey.
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Captain Mats Sundin
Since his arrival in Toronto, Mats Sundin has become one of the NHL's steadiest performers, most consistent offensive dynamos, and a true team leader in the great Toronto Maple Leaf tradition. Mats' arrival in Toronto (June 28, 1994) was an emotional day for Toronto fans.
The Maple Leafs obtained Mats from the Quebec Nordiques along with Garth Butcher, Todd Warriner and Quebec's 1994 first-round selection in exchange for fan favourite Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre, Landon Wilson and Toronto's 1994 first-round selection. Mats did not disappoint, and quickly won over the faithful Toronto fans. Since the trade, Mats has been named the 16th captain in team history, led the Leafs in points for six consecutive seasons and became only the third Leaf centre to record three 80+ point seasons (Gilmour, Sittler).
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Tie Domi!
Tie Domi patrols the ice for the Leafs, adding a rough and physical element to Toronto's attack, and creating skating room for more highly skilled line and teammates. Tie is active in the Toronto community and a fan favourite, energizing crowds at the Air Canada Centre with his reckless style of play and his knack for antagonizing opponents. Tie has wracked up more than 2,500 penalty minutes in his twelve seasons in the league.
Cujo vs Corey
TORONTO -- Last summer, Corey Schwab didn't have a clue what sort of mask design to paint. He had no contract, no team, no definable future.
He came into the Leafs camp and played well enough to win the role as Curtis Joseph's backup, and when the unthinkable happened --an injury to Cujo-- Schwab filled the hole.
He has done nothing wrong. He hasn't clearly lost any game for the Leafs, and he has proved that he can be a first rate second-string netminder. But, if the Leafs are to get the job done in the playoffs, they'll need Cujo back in the blue ice.
Corey Schwab has helped the Leafs keep pace in the East.Schwab's record is fine (10-10-5) and his goals against well under 3.00. His stats show that he's been right there as an excellent goalie, but the numbers don't tell the story that separates a top flight from a just-below top flight goalie.
Too often Schwab has let in a softie to open the scoring. Too often he's allowed the opponent to tie the score and get back in the game. And too often he hasn't made that big save that becomes the difference between a win and a loss.
It's not always a matter of keeping the puck out, it's a matter of keeping the puck out at particular moments of a game. And for that, Schwab alone is not to blame. The simple fact is that players play offence and defence based on how they see their goalie. Just ask Buffalo, a team that has played much more poorly on offence this season than last because their goalie, Dominik Hasek, is no longer there. Players feed off the confidence a goalie exudes, and this comes from making the timely save. Case in point was the Rangers game last week.
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Me and my friend Mats!!!
This is a picture of me and Mats Sundin! I actually got to meet him and skate with him! i got tons of stuff autographed and it was amazing. If you are wondering about the look on my face that i am not happy it is because i am in total shock!!!! You probably would be too if you were me!!!
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