AlphaDog
07-04-2007, 06:42 PM
July 4, 2007 (from official site)
(TORONTO) - Vesa Toskalahttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) hit town yesterday, affording locals the first glimpse of the man who will challenge Andrew Raycrofthttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) for the top job in the Leafs crease.
The Leafs added two years to Toskala’s contract. His rights will be held by the Leafs 2009-2010.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>http://assets.mapleleafs.com/assets/team/toskala_220_maskUp.jpg</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Last year, Toskala played a career-high 38 games. He finished 26-10-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.
The 30-year-old native of Tampere, Finland, is used to battling. He challenged Evgeni Nabokov for the number one job in San Jose before the Sharks shipped Toskala and Mark Bellhttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) to the Leafs for draft choices.
“That’s why I’m here,” Toskala said. “I’m looking for more ice time than I had in San Jose. That’s my main goal, but it’s always a competition so we’ll see how it goes.”
Thanks to the presence of Felix Potvin, Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour, the Leafs haven’t had two comparable goalies in more than a decade. Last year the reins were handed to Raycroft. Despite his 37 wins, the Leafs fell a point shy in the playoff race so the offseason upgrade was extended to the crease.
Neither goalie sees himself as a backup so there is plenty of potential for ruffled feathers and feelings. Still, a 1 and 1A arrangement can work. For proof, look no further than San Jose where Toskala and Nabokov provided generally splendid netminding for the Sharks.
Toskala is thought to be the first Finn to ever tend goal for the Maple Leafs. Despite his years in San Jose, he always remained adamant that he wanted to showcase his abilities in Canada.
“I said a few times, every player wants to play some point in their career in Canada and see how much bigger the hockey is here. I just think it’s a really good chance for me right now and I’m really excited.”
Toskala said he is ready for the scrutiny that comes with playing for the Leafs.
“I guess its part of the thing of being here in Canada. I just have to be ready and have the right kind of mindset for that. I don’t think it’s a huge problem.”
Playing under the great Mats Sundinhttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);), he said, makes it better.
“He has a lot (of standing), especially in Finland because he’s killed us a few times. Everything I heard from other guys about him, everybody says he’s a great leader, the team really needs him and he keeps the group together.”
As for Toskala, he says his style isn’t reminiscent of any one player. He did not pattern his game after any NHL goalie.
“I’m not the biggest guy in the league (around six feet). I’m not a basic butterfly guy. I think I move well and I’m pretty fast with reactions.”
(TORONTO) - Vesa Toskalahttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) hit town yesterday, affording locals the first glimpse of the man who will challenge Andrew Raycrofthttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) for the top job in the Leafs crease.
The Leafs added two years to Toskala’s contract. His rights will be held by the Leafs 2009-2010.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>http://assets.mapleleafs.com/assets/team/toskala_220_maskUp.jpg</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Last year, Toskala played a career-high 38 games. He finished 26-10-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.
The 30-year-old native of Tampere, Finland, is used to battling. He challenged Evgeni Nabokov for the number one job in San Jose before the Sharks shipped Toskala and Mark Bellhttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);) to the Leafs for draft choices.
“That’s why I’m here,” Toskala said. “I’m looking for more ice time than I had in San Jose. That’s my main goal, but it’s always a competition so we’ll see how it goes.”
Thanks to the presence of Felix Potvin, Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour, the Leafs haven’t had two comparable goalies in more than a decade. Last year the reins were handed to Raycroft. Despite his 37 wins, the Leafs fell a point shy in the playoff race so the offseason upgrade was extended to the crease.
Neither goalie sees himself as a backup so there is plenty of potential for ruffled feathers and feelings. Still, a 1 and 1A arrangement can work. For proof, look no further than San Jose where Toskala and Nabokov provided generally splendid netminding for the Sharks.
Toskala is thought to be the first Finn to ever tend goal for the Maple Leafs. Despite his years in San Jose, he always remained adamant that he wanted to showcase his abilities in Canada.
“I said a few times, every player wants to play some point in their career in Canada and see how much bigger the hockey is here. I just think it’s a really good chance for me right now and I’m really excited.”
Toskala said he is ready for the scrutiny that comes with playing for the Leafs.
“I guess its part of the thing of being here in Canada. I just have to be ready and have the right kind of mindset for that. I don’t think it’s a huge problem.”
Playing under the great Mats Sundinhttp://assets.mapleleafs.com/images/relatedicon.gif (javascript:void(0);), he said, makes it better.
“He has a lot (of standing), especially in Finland because he’s killed us a few times. Everything I heard from other guys about him, everybody says he’s a great leader, the team really needs him and he keeps the group together.”
As for Toskala, he says his style isn’t reminiscent of any one player. He did not pattern his game after any NHL goalie.
“I’m not the biggest guy in the league (around six feet). I’m not a basic butterfly guy. I think I move well and I’m pretty fast with reactions.”