Maple Leafs-Sharks: Toronto Learns Tough Lessons in Shark Tank

Last night the Maple Leafs got a clear and concise look of what they hope to be in the future.  Of course with a flurry of dizzying offense in the opening 20 minutes, I'm not sure they got a good look.

Last night's game between the Sharks and the Leafs was over after 20 minutes.  There would be no comeback this time.  You could tell.  This team was simply too good, not a hole in their game to be found.

The Leafs got a look last night at what Ron Wilson and Brian Burke hope this team can become: a big, strong team with lots of young talented players.  

The Sharks roster last night was comprised of 12 draft picks, six free agents, and just four trades (of course one of those trades being for their best player, Joe Thornton.)  Clearly Doug Wilson and Todd McLellan had the winning formula on display for all in the Leafs organization to see.

But to be fair, if it weren't for that disastrous first period, the Leafs may have been okay.  In fact, coach Ron Wilson said the same.  "If we had survived the first ten or so minutes," Wilson said "we would have found an equilibrium."

And it appears he isn't far off.  While San Jose dictated the pace through the late stages of the third due to back-to-back powerplays, the Maple Leafs hung with the Sharks for second and third periods.  Only problem was at that point, it was simply too late.

It was a loss to the best team in the National Hockey League right now.  There are still positives that can be taken.

The Maple Leafs penalty kill, which is on the rise by the game, only gave up one goal on four opportunities.  A good night considering the talent that the Sharks possess with the man advantage.

Take out the first frame and the Leafs actually out-shot the Sharks 21-17.  

They also found their legs in the second and third, skating with San Jose and not looking too out of place.

At the end of night though skill won out.  San Jose is simply too talented and Toronto couldn't give them anything to work with.  Unfortunately, a couple breakdowns in the first and a shorthanded goal against really sealed their fate.

A great game by the Sharks and a strong litmus test for these young Leafs.  You can't say they passed by any stretch of the imagination, but other than a slanted first period, they hung in there.

Note: The funniest part of the night was the interaction between Devin Setoguchi and Ron Wilson.  Every time Wilson would bark orders from the Leafs bench, Setoguchi would instinctively make eve contact with his former coach, out of habit.  Wilson noticed the eye contact a few times and couldn't help but laugh.