Toronto Maple Leafs, 10 Games In, 72 To Go.

Happy Halloween!

So far this season the Maple Leafs have been dressed as a competitive team. Ron Wilson's defense first mentality, coupled with the new found discipline of the young Leafs, have allowed them to surpass the expectations of their preseason critics. They sit 19th in the league in goals against, yet they have been playing better than that suggests. Vesa Toskala’s performances as of late having been key. His ability to make the pivotal save at any point in the game has allowed his team to steal a few victories.

A big part of the leafs successes has been the overall team play. Quick puck movement, along with a ton of shots, have the Leafs creating far more opportunities then we have seen in recent years.

Wilson’s mantra of responsibility has shone through extraordinarily. Benching Jason Blake, as well as Matt Stajan, has resulted in a rejuvenation of their individual efforts. Though Blake has still to recapture his scoring touch of two seasons ago, he is still skating with a purpose, and putting the puck on net.

Matt Stajan has stepped his game up to another level. His three point effort against New Jersey is his season high, but he sits with 6 points (3 g’s 3 a’s) through nine games. After being benched by Wilson, it is clear that this two-way forward realizes that every move on the ice matters.

As expected Nik Antropov ( 8p. 4g’s 4 a’s) is up there in the Leafs in scoring through 10 games. Alexie Ponikarovsky is leading the team however with 9 points. ( 3 g’s, 6 a’s) Niklas Hagman, and Mikhail Grabovski have also been welcome additions to the lacklustre Leafs offense. Though neither have stunning numbers, they both have been creating scoring chances every game, and are contributing nicely as the second line.

The biggest story for the Leafs has been the standout play of Luke Schenn. The rookie defensemen has played exemplary hockey at times, (save his first year mistake of playing with a broken stick in o.t.) and has shown he is comfortable in this league. His loyalty to teammates is very impressive. Standing up for many of them following cheap shots, and even dropping the gloves last Saturday with Chris Neil. This kid is a pleasure to watch, and with the guidance of veteran defensemen Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina, he will one day be a top defensemen in this league.

Other worthwhile mentions are Mike Van Ryn, who has contributed to offense, as well as being one of the top 4 d on the Leafs. Kaberle is still one of the best puck moving D in the league, with spectacular stretch passes. Jamal Mayers, Ryan Hollweg, and Dominic Moore have been an excellent grind line, bringing exhausting hustle and entertaining physicality to the games. John Mitchell has quickly slid into the #1 center position with Pony and Antropov, and though he hasn’t put up amazing numbers, he is quickly learning how to play at this level, and create chances for himself and his line mates.

So far the Leafs have done what many didn’t expect them too. Compete on a nightly basis, with a willingness to win, and desire to prove their fans proud. Though this year will most likely not be a cup winning team, they have impressed many around them, and entertained while doing so.

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