Bring On the Sens

On the cusp of Game 2 of the pre-season schedule, the Leafs are looking to regain a little confidence and team unity which was clearly lacking in their first contest. Much ado to what was clearly fatigue, both mental and physical. In some context this could be something positive to build on, this invisible performance was in part related to the amount of strenuous practicing Coach Maurice has put his team through this early in the season, a positive thing indeed if in fact this pace can be matched by Leafs skaters. I highlight the skaters because infact Raycroft was the teams best player in a 4-0 loss. Leaf skaters, no mater who was absent from the line-up, no mater who was new to the team were flat, with each obstruction penalty this was visible. Penalties that resulted in all 4 Buffalo goals.

Besides Raycroft other players that positively stood out were hard to find, so early in the season it is tough to be critical so I will only say this; with the abundance of potential on the Leaf blue-line, McCabe, due to his lack of ability in defensive zone coverage become expendable at that position, thus opening himself up for a possible stint on the wing, (something I would like to get a look at). I bring up this point because McCabe was burned by Adam Mair which resulted in a PP Goal, this visual has become to common over seasons past, and with the new contract requested and given, this is something Bryan needs to correct this year.

Who to keep an eye on tonight, Antropov, O'Neill, Suglobov. Three skaters that need to have breakthrough seasons.

Inaugural

This is your home for expert leaf analysis throughout this 2006/07 season.

With the pre-season friendly Blue & White game over, it'll all begin tomorrow, cuts, positions, starters. It will be no easy task for the Maple Leafs, a team eerily absent from last years Stanley Cup playoff, as this NHL season looks to be well on its way after only officially beginning last Thursday. Players looking much fitter and mentally prepared almost as much so as coaching, a trend visible throughout the league. Fortunately for Leaf Nation, the leafs too are no exception to this new trend, not to mention the opportunity of change and rebirth available to this 2006/07 team, thus creating vacancies for many capable Leaf players to take on new roles. The answer of will they is one that will be answered here, in LeafsTown throughout the year.