Vesa Toskala take a seat. The end of the bench will do just fine.

Jonas Gustavsson has taken over as the Maple Leafs No. 1 goaltender.

While Toronto coach Ron Wilson doesn’t speak in such absolutes about his netminding situation, he doesn’t have to. When Wilson started Gustavsson on consecutive nights on the weekend, it was a experiment to see if the 25-year-old rookie, and his previously tender groin, could handle it.

Gustavsson turned aside 69 of 72 shots in victories over Carolina and Detroit for Toronto’s first two-game win streak of the season.

“Obviously he passed that test with flying colours. So right now all Vesa can do is stay ready in practice and be ready when called upon,” said Wilson after yesterday’s practice.

“It’s strictly, if you win and you’re playing well, you get back in. It’s exactly what you want. There’s no controversy here or anything like that. (Gustavsson) is playing well. Sure, Vesa wants to play but this kid, he deserves the shot to play and we’re playing well in front of him.”

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