Toronto Maple Leafs Need To Show Opponents Who's Boss

"You can't start a fire

You can't start a fire without a spark

This gun's for hire

Even if we're just dancing in the dark"

The words of Bruce Springsteen. I am a huge fan of "The Boss" and a huge fan of the Maple Leafs. The fact it took me almost 240 articles to link them, a little surprising I must say.

It was great to see Steve Sullivan return to Toronto, playing well, and even getting his first point since returning after over 680 days on the shelf. Other than that, things were pretty bleak last night for Leafs Nation.

What we were treated to was another game where the intensity level just wasn't there. And while all teams surely need to bring a level of intensity to the games, it is of particular importance for a less talented team like the Leafs.

It's like Herb Brooks said to the "Miracle On Ice" team during training camp in 1980, "You think you'll win on talent alone? You're wrong! You don't have enough talent to win on talent alone!"

Pekka Rinne played well for the shutout, and not to take anything away from the guy, but 17 shots on goal simply doesn't cut it for an NHL team. And while the Maple Leafs are one of the teams in the NHL that has the most shots per game, it's the times when they don't get enough rubber on goal that stand out the most.

Particularly because they are likely all losses.

Perhaps something a little more concerning than the shots on goal is the overall lack of hunger this team has on some nights.

While there have been plenty of times this year where this club was praised for it's hard working style, there have been more than enough times since the turn of the calendar where the effort simply hasn't been there.

Last night was another one of those games.

Halfway through the game Paul Hendrick, the play-by-play announcer positioned between the benches, exclaimed almost shockingly that there was little to no chirping going on at all between the two teams.

Two teams, just going through the motions. It isn't a wonder why they are where they are in the standings.

It's like "The Boss" says, "You can't start a fire without a spark."

And if the Maple Leafs want to turn this season around, they better begin to make some contact, and create the spark that will help them gain momentum, and eventually win hockey games.

Despite enjoying some success early in the season, it's clear this Leafs team—which is just 2-8-0 in it's last 10 games, is still trying to find its identity.

An identity which will surely take further shape in the coming months, as the trade deadline approaches.