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There could be enough goaltenders on the Maple Leafs' flight to Vancouver tomorrow to qualify for their own seating section between first class and economy.
But the most nervous will likely be Joey MacDonald, hoping to finish strong against the Canucks on Saturday in what could be his last NHL start for awhile. The Leafs are definitely taking Jonas Gustavsson, with an eye to him coming off of injured reserve list either Monday in Anaheim or Wednesday in Dallas, and are obligated to bring young farmhand James Reimer as MacDonald's backup.
But joining Gustavsson on the ice yesterday prior to the healthy goalies and the rest of the team was Vesa Toskala, making his own recovery from a knee injury. Both Gustavsson's groin and Toskala's knee held up, leaving coach Ron Wilson with an interesting choice tomorrow.
"I'm sure Vesa and Jonas will be ready sometime during the trip," Wilson said, adding that Gustavsson would get first crack to play.
"We'll need those other guys (MacDonald and Reimer) until they're ready."
MacDonald has been in net for the team's past two losses, playing stable, but just as prone to the month-long team problem of allowing one bad goal per game. Toskala forfeited his starting job to Gustavsson and then both were hurt, elevating MacDonald.
"Whatever the circumstances are, you have to make the coach's decision tougher," said MacDonald, who will likely face Roberto Luongo at the other end. "I've worked hard on a few things with (goalie consultant) Francois Allaire. If you work hard on the little things that cause you trouble, you bring it into games.
"It will be good to get a little change going on the road for us. Winning the first one would be the key. We'll string some wins together, everyone's up and that's all it takes."
LANCE.HORNBY@SUNMEDIA.CA
