Post Game Notebook

by Mike Ball
December 13, 2003

Scoring | Statistics

ORIGINAL SIX FISTICUFFS

There's something about a matchup between the Maple Leafs and Rangers that always seems to bring out the best, or worst in these teams. The extra-curriculars got underway when Nathan Perrott dropped the gloves with Jason MacDonald -- in just his second NHL game-- at 5:45 of the second.

Perrott, clearly the more seasoned fighter, ripped off the Ranger's helmet and landed a few blows before giving him the full jersey treatment.

MacDonald was given the five-minute major for fighting and a game misconduct for neglecting to have a tie down.

The Charlottetown, P.E.I. native was clearly dejected after he hoped to have a good showing in Toronto.

Joe Nieuwendyk left the game after taking a shot off his foot. (Graig Abel Photography)

Wade Belak also had a bout in his return to the lineup as he squared off with Dale Purinton in the third. Belak easily won the match, landing a couple of rights before Purinton fell to the ice.

CAGIN' STAJAN

Anticipating the physical affair, Pat Quinn made the decision to sit  Matt Stajan with Belak availablet.

Stajan watched from the press box with an analytical eye.

 ""When I sit out, Pat (Quinn) tells me to go watch upstairs (in the press box) rather than watching it on TV,"" said the rookie. ""It's a different perspective up there. You can see the whole ice surface and the way plays develop. It's a bit of a learning experience for me.""

 Stajan took the lineup shift in stride, par for the course for the mature rookie.

  ""Our team's playing great and we got a nice winning streak and I feel like I've been developing each and every day. My confidence is up there and I've just got to keep working hard.""

 
THE BAD 

Despite feeling good a practice Friday Leafs winger and recent spark plug, Owen Nolan did not return to the lineup Saturday. Nolan now hopes to return Tuesday when the Leafs host Tampa Bay.

 Nolan is nursing a sore hip he aggravated in a December 9th OT loss to St. Louis.

 
THE UGLY

Joe Nieuwendyk found himself headed for the trainer's room once again after taking a puck off the right ankle in the second period.

X-rays taken at the arena were negative and Nieuwendyk will be re-evaluted on Sunday.

The shot was a hard slapper from the stick of Bryan McCabe , who was apparently getting a bit of the treatment from his teammates in the locker room.

""Well, Bryan McCabe usually takes one or two guys out a year,"" joked Gary Roberts. ""So, he's at it again.""

But all jokking aside, Roberts knows all too well what Nieuwendyk brings to the table.

""He's added a lot of character to our team and he's playing very well so hopefully he's not going to be gone too long.""