Yeah...I don't know either!
I'm just kidding, this weekend promises to be a great weekend in Leaf land! Playing two games in two nights is always a test for any team, however, Friday's game is against a dismal Hurricane team that has only one more win than the Leafs (that was before Stall was hurt).
Next up are the Detroit Red Wings . Who are obviously a little tired and beat up, after playing nine preseason games in 12 nights, traveling to Sweden, and going on a five game road trip for 11 days.
"I knew all this before it started, but what do you do? Do you tell them it's going to be tough? Who cares?" said Coach Babcock in a recent interview.
Phil Kessel will start his second game in a Leafs jersey, and after putting a career high 10 shot on net vs the Lightning , there is a lot of reason for optimism. Although now, former line mate, Matt Stajan is quick to admit there is a lot of pressure to perform it the Big Smoke, he says it won't come from the team.
Hopefully he doesn't get the pressure from people," Stajan told the Toronto Star. "I know as a team we're not doing that to him. We're going to help ease him in and hopefully he can just do what he does best."
For his part, coach Ron Wilson refuses to tip his hand when questioned about whether or not he will stat the Monster in back to back games for the first time. It is likely that Gustavsson will get the start on Friday against the Hurricanes, and Saturday will depend on how he feels and plays.
Although Brian Burke is usually a guy who sticks by his statements, one has to wonder whether or not Wilson can survive this kind of record and remain behind the bench. It is widely speculated that even though Burke has said publicly Wilson's job is safe no matter what, if thing aren't greatly improved by the Olympic break, he will likely be let go.
Whether the teams rough start is Wilson's fault or not is anybody's guess. The fact remains however that this is the worst start in franchise history, and they only missed the NHL record for losses to start the season by three games.
Not exactly some thing any coach wants to hang their hat on.
On the other side of that coin however is the fact that the Leafs have played much better all around since, strangely enough, both Vesa Toskala and Jonas Gustavsson went down with injuries.
Joey MacDonald was solid enough for the most part, to allow the rest of the team to play with some confidence and it has continued since the Monsters' return.
The Leafs now have points in each of their last five games and all signs point to good things on the horizon.
While Wilson tinkers with his centers in an effort to find a good fit for Kessel, and Jeff Finger is expected to return to the line up tonight at the expense of Garnett Exelby , Mike Van Ryn is still...um...hell I haven't seen or heard anything about him in so long, I have no idea where he is.
One of the big issues with Kessel is the apperany lack of a center. Grabovski, I think rather than Mitchel should get a shot. Whoaaa! Before you all start throwing stones at me, Grabovski has been labeled as a Berezin like player and is too much of a puck hog to be a good fit for Kessel, right?
Well, fist of all, I disagree. So far this year he has shown alot more grit and determination on a regular basis than any other Leafs in my opinion. Two things that Berezin never did. Also, ther's alot to be said for positioning. Phil Kessel is exceptional at finding open ice and putting himself in good position to receive a pass. Hopefully, that is a trait that will rub off on the rest of the team because as of right now, no one else is.
Look for Carolina to find themselves alone in the basement after the weekend, the Leafs are on there way up!
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