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Maple Leafs trio looks for more sparks against Flames

Nov 11, 2008 - 2:13 PM Toronto (6-5-4) at Calgary (8-7-1), 9:30 pm EDT

CALGARY, Alberta (Ticker) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have transformed into one of the most exciting teams in the league, and their top line is a major reason why.

Mikhail Grabovski, Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin hope to continue their recent success when the Maple Leafs visit the struggling Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

Grabovski has six goals and two assists in the last four games, teaming with Hagman and Kulemin to form one of the most offensively charged lines in all of hockey. Grabovski's surge has come as quite a surprise to Toronto since he had only one goal in his first 11 games this season.

The Maple Leafs have scored 27 times over the last six games and their prowess was evident again in their 6-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

Their final home game before beginning this three-game road trip, the Leafs received plenty of support from their trio. Grabovski had a goal, Hagman had two and Kumelin added an assist as they snapped a three-game skid.

Toronto has outshot its opponents in 11 consecutive games and has at least 35 shots in eight of its last nine.

But while its offense is clicking on all cylinders, a defensive cog was lost in the win over the Canadiens. Montreal right wing Tom Kostopoulos has been suspended three games for a hit from behind on Toronto defenseman Mike Van Ryn, who is expected to miss a month after suffering a concussion, broken nose and broken hand.

Meanwhile, Calgary has dropped two straight and four of its last five because of several defensive lapses. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has surrendered six goals in each of his last two contests, and the Flames have yielded at least three goals in their last five.

The Flames return home after falling 6-1 against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday - one night after falling, 3-1, to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Leading the team with nine goals, Calgary captain Jarome Iginla has seven goals and seven assists in 16 career home games against the Leafs.