Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Reasons for the Fast Start

The Toronto Maple Leafs have shot out of the starting gate, enjoying an incredible amount of success in the National Hockey League season thus far. Brian Burke has put his mark on the team, and probably isn't finished yet.

While many expected this team to do better than years prior, no one could have imagined this. The city of Toronto is up on its feet and gravitating even closer to the most popular hockey franchise on the planet.  

Here are five reasons for the fast start.

Kessel Is Tearing It Up

Where did this come from? I mean, the guy has talent, but no one expects this from him.

Phil Kessel will have to slow down at some point, but he is currently proving all the haters wrong, and becoming an offensive dynamo.  

Kessel has been playing an amazing two-way game and has essentially changed himself as a player. He has a different spice out on the ice. You can't help but cheer for the guy. This is a lot different then the bland, one-dimensional player Toronto picked on all of last year.

Just wait until he starts to roll with Connolly and gets given goals. What will his numbers look like then?

Team Chemistry

This group has finally gotten games under their belt while playing with one another. It was only a few years ago that the club was torn apart. The team was built from scratch. The guys are becoming familiar with each other, and its showing on the ice.

What better example then Kessel and Lupul.

So, now the new guys brought in have an idea of what is expected and they can quickly mesh in with what is already built.

Behind opposition nets, playing on the boards, the guys know where each other are at all times. It's great to watch. Like there are eyes on the back of their heads.

Defensemen pinching has been effective, with forwards always coming in to cover.

The team finally has some chemistry.

Forwards Being Defensively Responsible

The team's back-checking has been excellent. Players are always there to help each other out and cover for one another.

It's a part of the game that is overlooked, but it's key. When forwards come back and break up plays, it not only helps defensively, but also creates counter-attack opportunities.  

Also, no high risk plays are being made. No one is jeopardizing the team with irresponsible plays. Everything is simple and safe. It's a revolution for the Leafs (though easy when Kadri isn't in the lineup).  

Even Phil Kessel is being defensively responsible. Am I dreaming?

New Core of Bottom 6 Forwards

Mike Brown and Colby Armstrong hold strong in the bottom six, but everything else has changed. The two have finally been surrounded by quality energy players, and it's paying off for the club. 

There has been some rotation, which helps keep players fresh and healthy competition present, but overall the group has been great.

The additions of Dupuis and Steckel give the team a new look, and are the strength of the penalty kill. Steckel is a boss in face-offs. Bozak looks like a perfect third line centre. He's so good defensively, but also has that offensive upside. He and Frattin are important because they fit the bottom six role, yet can fill in on top line duties when injuries arise.  

Orr and Rosehill get a few looks here and there, which is fine. Their roles have diminished to where they should be. 

Look for our PK to vastly improve over the course of the season, and for the bottom six forwards to contribute offensively. 

Double Dion

Our captain has stepped up. Dion Phaneuf has been an animal out on the ice. The last place an opposition forward wants to be is in a corner alone with Phaneuf. He is controlling games. 

His +/- is great, and he is sustaining a boat load of ice time. What negatives can you say about the guy? 

Which leads one to the fact that, maybe Aulie wasn't the only thing making Dion a better player. The media was making Aulie out to be some angel who came and, all of sudden, made Phaneuf better. Aulie is NHL calibre, no better then Gunny or anyone else paired with Phaneuf. Dion has simply stepped up. 

Give the kid credit. 

The Brian Burke Conclusion

Don't jump to the conclusion that the Leafs will bring home the cup this year. There are still plenty of games to be played, but a good start can't hurt.

I mean, we're even still waiting for the Mac-Grab-Kulemin line to get on track. What will this team be capable of when they are rolling on all cylinders?

Looking deeper into their success, though, the real reason this team is off to a fast start is Brian Burke. He has been doing great things. He's the one that put this team together, so obviously he's doing something right. He is the No. 1 reason for the fast start.