colas Petan and Oliver Bjorkstarnd

TORONTO – Sour tones emanated as deeply from the Maple Leafs dressing room as they have all year after yet another flattening loss, one that dug the pit of current despair ever deeper. Toronto was trounced at home on Tuesday night by a young and plucky Florida Panthers squad. It was the 11th loss in the past 15 games, a stretch that includes exactly one regulation win. "We simply got embarrassed," said Mason Raymond, outwardly peeved with the performance in a 3-1 loss at the ACC. "Its pretty simple. I dont think guys can be happy with that at all. We got embarrassed at home." Utterly flat for the opening 40 minutes, the Leafs, playing their fifth game in seven nights, were outworked and overmatched in nearly all regards by an enthusiastic Panthers bunch. Florida scored the opener before four minutes had elapsed on the clock – a Nazem Kadri offensive zone giveaway springing a Tomas Fleischmann breakaway – adding a pair in the middle frame. Though they were surely fatigued, the Leafs lacked little of the gusto or gumption required to turn the corner of a lingering skid. Lost defensive zone battles often appeared a matter of will. Tuesday suitably marked the 12th time in 13 games that they allowed three goals or more, a product of ongoing inadequate team defence (more in Five Points). "They won more puck battles than we did," said Randy Carlyle of the Panthers. "All the 50-50 pucks that were available to us, I would say that they won the majority of them, specifically in the first two periods." Offensively, they were too often a one-and-done attack for the coachs liking, opting for the extra pass or play in the name of simplicity. There was little of the sustained offensive zone time that manifested itself in a stunning weekend win against the defending Stanley Cup champs. "We were guilty of trying to be too cute," said Carlyle. "Too many curls and drags versus putting our head down and driving the puck towards the net and maybe scoring an ugly goal. I classified our game as we tried to play shinny against an NHL hockey club tonight." The Leafs have endured their fair share of misery since the outset of November. Nothing summed up the despair quite like losing twice in a matter of weeks to the lowly Sabres and Blue Jackets. But for maybe the first time on Tuesday, there was a real sense among those players assembled that the struggles had reached a low point. "I dont think were going to make excuses," said Dion Phaneuf, admittedly off-kilter in his performance against Florida. "We know that weve got to play better and were the guys that are going to get us out of this. Its about what were going to do in this room to find a way to get out of this funk that were in." The Panthers may have won five of six entering the evening, but they sat as the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference. And yet they managed to "embarrass" the Leafs on home ice.  "We either have half a team or a full team that dont show up at parts and then things go wrong," said James Reimer, who yielded three goals on 23 shots. "We need to find a way to come and bring it every night or for 60 minutes a night and then do that consecutively." "The coaching staff is frustrated. The players are frustrated. Im sure management is frustrated. Im sure our fans are frustrated," said Carlyle. "Is it a crisis? Its a crisis that we havent won enough games. Thats the way I would deem it." Five Points 1. An Excuse or Reality? The Leafs were playing their fifth game in seven nights and certainly appeared low on gas early (though they managed to muster something late). The mere mention of the schedule, however, caused most to recoil. "Theres never an excuse," said Reimer. "Theres never an excuse. Injuries, tired – its all BS. Those are excuses and theyre useless. What it comes down to is your will, your heart, your character." Additionally, Reimer said, injuries would not be blamed for the ongoing struggle. "We should be able to win with half of our guys out," he said. "You just find ways. You trust each other. You believe in each other and you play with that confidence. Thats the case here. I have full and absolute faith in my teammates, the coaches and everyone. Weve done it before, weve done it last year and weve done it this year. Its just a matter of putting it together and I have no doubts we can do it." 2. No Defence No longer saved nightly by the heroic efforts of their two goaltenders – as they were in October – the Leafs have been a wreck defensively since the outset of November. During a stretch of 22 games, beginning on Nov. 2, theyve allowed 71 goals or an average of 3.23 per game. Theyve allowed three or more in 16 of those 22 games, losing 14 times. Among those who struggled in that regard against the Panthers was Phaneuf. There was the inability to track down Fleischmann on the opening goal and the giveaway to Brad Boyes on the third Florida marker. "Ive got better," he said. "I made some mistakes tonight that are unacceptable." 3. Gardiner Benched A strong message was sent to Jake Gardiner on Tuesday night. Gardiner was benched for the final eight-plus minutes of the second and opening 10 minutes of the third. The 23-year-old gave the puck away to Sean Bergenheim in the defensive zone, an error that preceded the Panthers second goal. "Its pretty hard to defend," said Carlyle of the error. "Youve got to expect to have a higher level of execution than that in that situation. I thought that in the game he struggled with the puck." Carlyle felt that Gardiner was often careless with the puck, throwing it away in too many situations. "Right now those are compiling to us receiving the game too often," he said. "(But) I wouldnt say hes the only guy that made them." Gardiner was coming off a similarly difficult finish in a loss to Pittsburgh on Monday evening. He made two errors that preceded Sidney Crosbys eventual game-winner; there was the icing that pinned the Leafs in the defensive zone and the failed clearing attempt following a faceoff win by Jay McClement. Gardiner played just 16 minutes. 4. Starting Slowly There was the feeble first period effort in St. Louis, the wobbly opening in Pittsburgh and another stunted opening 20 (and 40) against Florida. Kadris offensive zone giveaway with less than four minutes gone sprung the Fleischmann breakaway and the games opening goal. It was the 17th time in 36 games that an opponent had scored first on the Leafs and the 12th loss in such situations (4-11-1). "Our starts need to be better," said Raymond, who scored the Leafs lone goal. "Thats a big part of it. I think stats show when you score the first goal odds are in your favour to win the game." The Leafs are 13-5-2 when scoring first this season. 5. Searching for Balance Raymond entered the night as the Leafs third-leading scorer and yet began Tuesdays game alongside Troy Bodie and Trevor Smith. He was replaced on the second unit by David Clarkson, who returned from a two-game suspension. It was an odd move, one likely aimed at sparking Clarkson while balancing out the offence. "Thats a tricky thing," said Carlyle. "We tried to spread a little more offence with moving Raymond down. It probably wasnt fair to him…but I thought that would be an opportunity for them to play against lesser players with some speed out there. But that didnt work for us." By the third frame, Raymond was reunited with Peter Holland and Joffrey Lupul, scoring the Leafs lone goal on a redirection. Already down Dave Bolland and Tyler Bozak at centre ice, the Leafs would lose Smith to a broken hand in the third frame of the loss. He blocked a Scotty Upshall shot and did not return. The organization has already tested its ranks at centre with the Smith recall and Holland trade, also trying its hand for a lengthy stretch with long-time NHLer Jerred Smithson. Its more adversity to a group that already has its fair share of it. Stats-Pack 16 – Number of times in the past 22 games that the Leafs have allowed three goals or more. 3.23 – Goals against per game since the start of November. 15:27 – Ice-time for David Clarkson in his return from a two-game suspension. 11 – Losses for the Leafs in the past 15 games. 1 – Regulation victory in those 15 games, a 7-3 bashing of the Blackhawks on Saturday. 16:03 – Ice-time for Jake Gardiner against Florida, his lowest since mid-November. 11 – Goals for Mason Raymond this season, surpassing the 10 he had in 46 games a year ago. Special Teams Capsule PP: 0-2Season: 23.7% (4th) PK: 2-2Season: 77.3% (27th) Quote of the Night "We simply got embarrassed. Its pretty simple. I dont think guys can be happy with that at all. We got embarrassed at home. I think we got beat out all over the ice in almost all situations. Its something we need to improve." -Mason Raymond, following the loss to Florida. Up Next The Leafs host the Coyotes at the ACC on Thursday night. Cheap Air Jordan 1 Sale . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period. Wholesale Air Jordan 1 . Kalish got his first hit since Sept. 11, 2012, when he rapped an RBI triple in the first inning Sunday in the Chicago Cubs 8-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. http://www.cheapairjordan1china.com/. -- Chris Crawford hit a 3-pointer with 1:36 left to put Memphis ahead to stay, and the 21st-ranked Tigers beat seventh-ranked Louisville 72-66 Saturday, sweeping the season series from the Cardinals. Cheap Air Jordan 1 China .com) - New England Patriots starting center Bryan Stork will not play in Sundays AFC Championship against Indianapolis due to a knee injury the rookie sustained last week. Air Jordan 1 Retro Cheap . - The Minnesota Vikings have ruled Christian Ponder out for Sundays game at Baltimore, because the quarterback has not yet passed all of his post-concussion tests.KELOWNA, B.C. - Myles Bell scored four goals and added two assists as the Kelowna Rockets toppled the visiting Kamloops Blazers 7-3 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action. Rourke Chartier and Tyson Bell also scored for the Rockets (42-7-3), who sit first overall in the WHL standings, while Justin Kirkland and Kris Schmidl chipped in with two assists apiece. Collin Shirley had a pair of goals for the Blazers (11-37-5), who are now on a six-game slide, and Austin Douglas scored once. Kelownas Jordon Cooke made 28 saves to improve to 30-4-3 on the season. Cole Kehler allowed three goals on 12 shots for Kamloops before giving way to Bolton Pouliot, who stopped 23-of-27 shots in two periods of relief. The Rockets went 2 for 3 on the power play while the Blazers failed to score on three chances with the man advantage. --- PATS 5 WARRIORS 2 REGINA -- Chandler Stephenson scored once and set up two more as the Pats handed Moose Jaw its ninth loss in a row. Kyle Burroughs, Colby Williams, Dyson Stevenson and Dryden Hunt also scored for Regina (27-21-5) and Morgan Klimchuk chipped in with two assists. Jack Rodewald scored both goals for the Warriors (13-31-8). Reginas Daniel Wapple made 33 saves for the win as Moose Jaws Justin Paulic turned away 34-of-38 shots in defeat. --- COUGARS 6 BRONCOS 2 SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. -- Klarc Wilson and Troy Bourke each scored twice as Prince George downed the Broncos for its fourth win in a row. Adam Beukeboom made 38 saves for the Cougars (22-26-7) while Zach Pochiro and Jordan Tkatch added single goals. Colby Cave and Nathan Burns supplied the offence for Swift Current (26-19-8). Eetu Laurikainen started in net for the Broncos, but was relieved 16 minutes into the game after allowing his third goal on 13 shots. Landon Bow finished the game and stopped 14-of-17 shots. --- WHEAT KINGS 4 BLADES 1 SASKATOON -- Jordan Papirny made 33 saves and Rihards Bukarts scored twice as Brandon defeated the Blades. Eric Roy and Jesse Gabrielle also scored for the Wheat Kings (27-19-6), who ended a three-game slide, and defenceman Rene Hunter chipped in with two assists. Cameron Hebig scored the lone goal for Saskatoon (14-36-4), which is 2-8-0 in its last 10 contests. Troy Tremblay turned aside 38-of-42 shots in a losing cause. --- ICE 5 HITMEN 2 CRANBROOK, B.C. -- Tim Bozon and Austin Vettrl each had a pair of goals and Mackenzie Skapski made 21 saves as Kootenay toppled Calgary. Jaedon Descheneau had a goal and an assist for the Ice (27-21-4), who trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes of play, while Sam Reinhart tacked on two assists. The Hitmen (32-14-6) got goals from Brady Brassart and goaltender Chris Driedger, who was awarded a goal after Kootenay played the puck into its own net while playing 6-on-5 on a delayed penalty. Driedger stopped 26-of-31 shots in a losing cause.dddddddddddd --- AMERICANS 4 REBELS 2 RED DEER, Alta. -- Brian Williams capped off a three-point outing with an empty-net goal as Tri-City doubled up the Rebels. Mitch Topping, Justin Gutierrez and Beau McCue also scored for the Americans (26-22-5) while Josh Thrower was given a five-minute major and game misconduct in the first period for checking to the head. Conner Bleackley and Evan Polei scored for Red Deer (27-22-3), which lost in regulation for the first time in seven outings, and Rhyse Dieno assisted on both. Eric Comrie made 27 saves for Tri-City while Taz Burman turned aside 24-of-27 shots for the Rebels. --- OIL KINGS 5 TIGERS 1 MEDICINE HAT, Alta. -- Mitchell Moroz scored twice and Cody Corbett had three assists as Edmonton extended its win streak to eight games by downing the Tigers. Reid Petryk and Curtis Lazar each had a goal and an assist for the Oil Kings (37-13-1) and Brandon Ralph had a single goal. Curtis Valk scored the lone goal for Medicine Hat (29-19-3). Tristan Jarry made 25 saves for Edmonton as Tigers goalie Marek Langhamer turned away 22-of-27 shots in defeat. --- WINTERHAWKS 3 THUNDERBIRDS 0 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Brendan Burke only had to make 16 saves for his second straight shutout as the Winterhawks blanked Seattle. Nicolas Petan and Oliver Bjorkstarnd each had a goal and an assist for Portland (36-12-5), which is 11-0-1 in its last 12 games, while Adam Rossignol added a single goal. Derrick Pouliot chipped in with two assists. Taran Kozun kicked out 46-of-49 shots for the Thunderbirds (32-16-5). Special teams were big for the Winterhawks as they scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded. --- SILVERTIPS 5 CHIEFS 4 (OT) EVERETT, Wash. -- Ivan Nikolishin scored twice, including the winner, as the Silvertips halted a six-game slide by edging Spokane. Joshua Winquist and Kohl Bauml each had a goal and two assists for Everett (26-19-8) and Patrick Bajkov added a goal and an assist. Colton Bobyk had a pair of goals for the Chiefs (31-16-5) and Mitch Holmberg and Markson Bechtold had a goal apiece. Silvertips netminder Eric Williams allowed four goals on 15 shots before giving way to Garret Hughson, who stopped 14-of-15 shots in 35 minutes of relief to earn the victory. Austin Lotz gave up two goals on five shots for Spokane and was relieved by Daniel Cotton. Cotton turned away 11-of-13 shots in 44 minutes of action. --- ROYALS 3 GIANTS 2 (OT) VICTORIA -- Joe Hicketts scored 36 seconds into extra time as the Royals slipped past Vancouver. Logan Nelson had a goal and an assist for Victoria (34-16-3) while Ben Walker scored the other. Ty Ronning and Cain Franson supplied the offence for the Giants (26-19-9). Coleman Vollrath made 23 saves for the Royals as Jared Rathjen stopped 33-of-36 shots for Vancouver. ' ' '