Archives for January 21, 2001

Inside — way inside — the numbers of the Leafs’ 2-0 shutout of the Sabres.

Legendary National Hockey League enforcer Rob Ray was near the top of the left circle in the Buffalo zone when Gary Valk drove Dominik Hasek head-first into the glass. Strike that. When Gary Valk drove five-time Vezina Trophy, two-time Hart Trophy and nine-time Meal Ticket Dominik Hasek head-first into the glass.

‘The Sabres once again left the ACC full of complaints after falling, 2-0, to Toronto Saturday night. And although they may have had a legitimate gripe or two, they’re kidding themselves if they’re holding tight to the belief it was the officiating that did them in.’

Even in losing, Dominik Hasek stole the show with several eye-popping saves that left the Leafs shaking their heads, including a remarkable diving glove save of a slam-dunk attempt.

‘There were 24 penalties, 68 hits, misconducts, a fight and some alleged personal trash talking that led to a near brawl under the stands.’

‘The corridor behind the benches at the Air Canada Centre nearly turned into the OK Corral last night.’

‘Last night, the Maple Leafs’ pint-sized agitator snapped in the third period when Buffalo Sabres tough guy Rob Ray found the right words to send Tucker into hyperspace.’

‘Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said it was “bull—-.”‘

‘The Leafs unleashed 40 shots for only the second time this season, Curtis Joseph refused to be outplayed for the third game in a row and when the Sabres pushed, the Leafs pushed back.’

‘By all accounts, Sabres enforcer Rob Ray tore at the heart of the Leafs emotions when he uttered something unspeakably ugly to Shayne Corson during a third-period exchange. "It’s as low as you go," Leafs coach Pat Quinn said about Ray’s utterance. "It was so low that if I would have been out there, I would have hit him over the head with a stick."’