New Season, Same Leafs?

This years edition of the Leafs so far has been a little up down. Got off to a bad start with a loss to the Habs, then won three in a row, then looked really good against the Lightning and then looked absolute poopers against the Blue Jackets earlier tonight. If this is what this season is going to be like, it is going to be a very long one for the team and its fans.

I was lucky enough to go to the Kings game last Wednesday and with all due respect to the Kings, the Leafs walked all over them. They made them look like an AHL team and other than a little blip in the third, the Leafs dominated the whole game. Nylander's line especially looked good and Matthews finally got on the board. Marner was also dancing around and it was a very good home win.

What stood out for me that during that blip in the third Berube called a time out to get the boys back on track. I had never seen that in a game and it definitely showed me that he is not going to take shit from anyone and it was nice to see! The game was played at a good pace as well and Stolarz looked very good as he has in the early part of the season.

Other things that stand out for me so far this season is the depth in scoring that the team has. All lines have contributed and McMann might be ready to take another step and hit the 25-30 goal mark. Robertson has not done much though unfortunately and it looks like he might get sent down or waived sooner than later. Pacioretty will be in and out of the line up as I expected but whatever we can get out of him will be a bonus.

The biggest plus has been from the blue line. Tanev has come as advertised and has blocked everything in sight. OEL has also been steady, but Rielly has gotten off to a bit of a slow start but I totally expect him to have a decent season. Liljegren has been the odd man out and a trade is likely sooner than later which is unfortunate since I do not think he has really gotten a chance here, but Benoit fills a void and plays more physically than he does and. that is what the team needs now.

Domi has also looked very good so far and has been stacking up the assists and Tavares has been playing a third line role a lot of the time which is good since that will lower his contract demands this coming off season and give the team more cap space to keep Marner which should be their number one priority. Nylander continues to shine and another 40 goal season should be his goal.

My expectations for this season are that Matthews will continue to be the league's best goal scorer, Marner and Nylander will get close to 100 points and. the team's depth and new improved defence will take them to the Eastern Conference finals. The goal tending might be an issue, but if they continue to get solid play for Stolarz and somehow Woll can stay healthy, the team should be fine.