So, who would have guessed the Leafs would be off to the start they are off to now. Victory over the Montreal Canadians in their first game; everyone was content (as it took 10 games or so last year to win the first one) but still some caution was blown as Montreal was without Mike Cammalleri or Andre Markov. The second game had the Leafs against the Ottawa Senators, and well either the Sens didn't show up last Saturday night, or the Leafs just completely rocked the snot out of them. So now, the Leafs are 2-0 and haven't started a season like that in nearly 10 years. Then you get the week of tests...Wednesday night as Pittsburgh plays host to the Leafs in the Maple Leafs debut at the new Consol Engery arena, and Friday night against the Rangers in New York. Victories in both games, not without some test of character. With the exception of the Ottawa game, the other three victories in the season were 1goal wins...Could it be, finally that the Leafs are getting the breaks that other teams have gotten on them over the last couple of years.
Thanks to Bruno at the BDC in Vaughan (yes a shout out to you Bruno P.) I too have purchased my Permit for a spot on Yonge Street for my lounge chair and cooler...I suggest you do the same!!!
I twittered it on Friday that Toronto's victory over the Blue Shirts of Broadway was more of a character builder than it was a victory. The Leafs were up 3-1 and won the game in Overtime 4-3. Last year, the team would have let in the late goal that screwed up the game (thanks Toskala) and another defeat would be in the bag.
How about Clarke MacArthur though...this guy is on fire!!! He's on pace to score 102 goals this season!!! That stat in itself is unreal!!! The Thrashers organization must be kicking them selves in the ass right about now. Sorry for the horrible US Broadcasting, but hey at least they said Kaberle's name right!!!
Colby Armstrong has been a pleasant surprise this season. He's a feisty player, who can add a little scoring punch, and at the same time, is disciplined. He was one of the centre pieces going to Atlanta in the Marian Hossa trade to the Pens a couple of years ago, and he knew then that he needed to get out of A-Town to go to a true Hockey market. Toronto is after all, the place where players who are feisty, gritty, and scrappy thrive...not just in hockey but every sport...remember the Junk Yard Dog?!?!?!
Here is the two key aspects as to why I think the Leafs are doing very well; and it starts with the top two lines.
1) The fact that the Leafs top two lines, are more like 2 2nd lines instead. With the exception of Phil Kessel, the other 5 players on the top two lines, are more your second line players. Whatever line Kessel is put on, that is automatically your top line. Bozak and Versteeg fill that line out quite well. Bozak looks bigger and stronger and his skating and Hockey IQ is top notch, A-1...first class. But on this particualar line, you have Kessel the sniper, Bozak the passer, and Versteeg filling out the role of grinder/agitator on the top line. The Leafs Second line, which has been the most surprising also has these three features with one key exception. Garbo is the passer, but Kulemin and MacArthur can rotate the roles of sniper and agitator at any time.
2) The Leafs have two second lines. Lets be honest, but this screws up the defensive make up of the opposition team. You know you have to have your number 1 and 2 defense on Phil Kessel at all times, that is a must. But then you put your 3 and 4 on the second line, and that could spell a lot of trouble. Specially, if the 2nd line is thriving and the 1 and 2 defense take them and now your vulnerable to the Kessel line (like the Rangers were on Friday night). Its a luxury that Brian Burke and Ron Wilson never had in the past and are realizing that it works very well and is effective!!!
What's on tap for the Leafs this week is a date with the New York Islanders...a retun date with the Rangers and then a Saturday night tilt versus the Philly Flyers!
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On a side note, this is probably the prettiest goal of the season, and if it isn't, its the prettiest goal by a rookie bar none! Enjoy
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