Kevin McGran

With 14 players on the Maple Leafs roster still looking for their first goal of the season, Mikhail Grabovski has plenty of company.

What's puzzling about Grabovski shooting blanks so far is that he led the team in scoring in the pre-season. And his line generates so many opportunities.

Grabovski, who earnestly gives interviews despite his broken English, believes it's just a matter of time.

"I get lots of ice time," said Grabovski. "I know I need to score. I work hard in practice and I think soon my line will score goals. Maybe a lot of goals."

There may not be a better chance than tonight, with the slumping Anaheim Ducks (1-5-0) in town. Goalie J.S. Giguere is off to a rough start, with a 3.02 goals-against average.

Leafs coach Ron Wilson has plenty of time for Grabovski, and his linemates Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin.

"He's done a great job," Wilson said of Grabovski. "The puck just hasn't gone in. His line has had a wealth of chances. They hit the post, they had just missed open nets. Nothing has really changed.

"In fact I think he (Grabovski) has played much better defensively, his whole game has been better."