[Gotham Dark Knight]

TORONTO (AP) -- Maple Leafs goalie Ed Belfour is expected to miss the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve Thursday with a hurt back.

Belfour hasn't played since March 10.


The 40-year-old, who has a history of back problems, has had a subpar season -- going 22-22-4 with a goals against average of 3.29 in 49 games.

Mikael Tellqvist is expected to make his seventh straight start in place Belfour on Thursday night in Montreal.

Tellqvist has been impressive at times, but he's also allowed some shaky goals. He could become the No. 1 goalie next season if Toronto buys out the last year of Belfour's contract.

The Maple Leafs play the Canadiens on Thursday and Saturday nights in games that have playoff implications. Toronto is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference -- four points behind Atlanta for the eighth and final playoff spot and three back of Montreal.
Belfour has a career record of 457-303-115.


Well it ends with a wimper not a bang, sadly Eddie is done for the season...can Tellqvist carry the team, or is it a case of wishful thinking by Leaf fans?

[Lefty Noob]

Well, for what its worth, Tellqvist has a better record, a lower GAA and a higher save percentage than Belfour does this season. I think he'll be fine; the only question is whether or not he can handle the increased workload.

[blueandwhite]

I think there is confidence in Telqvist, more so than in Eddie after his last few monthsbetween the posts. Telqvist is doing well - but he's no Huet.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

I think there is confidence in Telqvist, more so than in Eddie after his last few monthsbetween the posts. Telqvist is doing well - but he's no Huet.

And the score against the Habs was?...just messing with you cause I like Eddie...

[blueandwhite]

hey with thirty some odd seconds to go, the score suddenly showed 0-0, and I - in my insane-weeks-before-playoff-season-and-we're-drowning head space believed it - then it switched back to 5-1.
It's a cruel hockey god (who's got to be a red wings fan).

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

hey with thirty some odd seconds to go, the score suddenly showed 0-0, and I - in my insane-weeks-before-playoff-season-and-we're-drowning head space believed it - then it switched back to 5-1.
It's a cruel hockey god (who's got to be a red wings fan).

Aaaah yes, the old blame the hockey gods...maybe Belfour on the altar of sacrifice ought to appease the gods...add a big white bear mascot...and who knows...the fickled gods may accept the offering...just a thought...

...and at this stage I am sure you'll believe anything that flashes a chance of possibility...don't lose touch with reality though...I don't think you can run a Forum from the insane ward...well...you can...I mean, you have to dodge the guards...and...ooops they are coming...catch you later...

[Lefty Noob]

Is this the end for Belfour, as the Toronto Star seems to suggest?

The Leafs announced yesterday that Belfour had been placed on the long-term injured reserve list and that his season — and likely his career as a Maple Leaf and NHLer — is over.

[blueandwhite]

pretty sure - Ferguson is right now being forced to defend his decision to sign Eddie a few years back. If he re signs him, he'd be insane.
I think they'll go with telqvist. he's been pretty good in net, really - no trevor Kidd back-up, he's for real.
I think Eddie'll retire. sad eyed eddie - maybe he'll stay here, set up house, buy a bar.

[Lefty Noob]

Shame, really. It means a sad end for a guy who once upon a time was one of the NHL's premier goaltenders. I guess he just tried to hang on a little too long. He is 40, after all. Sure thought he'd finish with 500 wins, though.