I like the non-Leafs distractions this year. It seems more business and less circus, more straight-forward. The on-ice product is encouraging. Indeed, we've seen many young and very promising prospects enjoy a taste of the ACC and the earnest benefits of playing in The Big Leagues, yet most importantly (for us) they now know what is expected of them, if they truly expect another invitation to escape the junior ranks.
Without Kadri, who I doubt will crack the lineup, The Leafs will be expecting a lot from Christian Hanson. If Hanson falters - though I don't think he will - then we can expect a flow of inexperienced and under-achieving centremen, until blueline injuries beset another team, enabling Brian Burke to trade for a Phanuef-approved centreman, augmenting Bozak, Grabovski and Mitchell.
Thus the top lines upfront for Toronto are becoming cemented, at least from among those asked to provide the scoring punch and those asked to provide just the punch. Of special note, while we have enjoyed a week of professional scrimmages, I think The Leafs have been playing with a mature toughness about them.
The Le ...
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Article written by Graeme Boyce
Crystalizing Maple Leafs Team Set to Tackle Tough East on Way to Cup
September 27th, 2010 by Graeme Boyce Leave a reply »
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