The New-Look Leafs

As so frequently seen after big changes occur in an organisation, the Toronto Maple Leafs come up big in their first game. With the help of Dion Phaneuf's fists and JS Giguere's steady glove, they shut out the Atlantic-division leading New Jersey Devils sparking excitement and rapture amongst the Maple Leafs' faithful.

But is their excitement warranted?

I don't think there should be any doubt that they are headed in the right direction, and if last night is anything to go by, the defensive and goaltending concerns are concerns no more. Unfortunately, last night isn't anything to go by. The new-look Leafs have only just begun their journey from mediocrity and there are still many roads to travel before they can be considered even a playoff team. In this case, perhaps realism is a buzz-killer, and for that I am sorry Leafs' fans, but there are just too many holes in this roster to seriously regard them as a dangerous opponent. Having said that, the positives may finally be outweighing the negatives.

Up front is probably the strongest part of the Leafs' lineup. Their depth and talent at forward is not exactly scary like other teams would be considered, but it is still quite formidable. The main positive is that it is a continually progressing group of players that could become quite the daunting task for defenders in future years.

Sure there are a few guys that probably wouldn't get as much ice-time in other teams but the future of the young stars in Toronto is very bright. Under the guidance of a fairly young leadership group in Kessel, Stempniak and Ponikarovsky -- rookies Tyler Bozak, Nazem Kadri, Viktor Stalberg and Christian Hanson who in particular looked good last night. Offense however, was not really a concern of GM Brian Burke.

Now, for the first time since Curtis Joseph's first exodus in '02, it seems there might stability between the pipes in T-Dot. Not surprisingly, the super-competitor that is JS Giguere was at his determined best last night. He will have good games and bad games and he might even get booed off the ice a few times (who doesn't in Toronto?), but he is a bona-fide #1 goalie and his presence in Toronto instantly increases their playoff hopes next season.

Giggy's addition coupled with Dion Phaneuf and the defensive-minded forward Fredrik Sjostrom address major concerns in defense and penalty-killing. Last night's effort might be an indication of what we can expect in the future from the troubles franchise, but unlikely and accurate reflection on what the team is right now.

It's understandable that after a 43-year Cup drought and a painfully long time out of the playoffs, big deals and positive signs like those seen of late would be welcomed with a degree of over-excitement. But as it stands this is still a team still way out of the reach of playoff hockey until proven otherwise. The proof is in the pudding and like everyone else, there still is a mathematical chance we could see an extended season at the ACC, but don't bet on it.

So what will we see from Toronto?

One thing we won't see is more of the same. I'm expecting more energy and excitement on the ice and less anger and frustration in the stands. And while I was thoroughly entertained here in Toronto, by the headlines I would read after every Leafs' game, particular in October and November -- I do look forward to actually viewing some good, hard-nosed, enjoyable hockey back in T.O.