Just like when Obama was elected, this new season for the Leafs has a lot of hope and optimism. There are a couple of reasons:

• Based on the end of the last season, it looks like we will finally get consistent and good (.910+ SV%) goaltending for the first time in a 4-5 seasons (i.e., we haven’t had decent goaltending since we acquired Raycroft).
• We have a solid defense core. I know this is said every year, but it’s true this year!
• Our prospects and young players have grown a year older and become more experienced
• We actually have a solid forward core with some depth (although we don’t have an abundance of 2^nd-line-level players and not enough elite, 1^st-line players)

We know we’re not going to win the Cup this year, but it seems pretty likely we will make the playoffs. Maybe. The reason is there is some skepticism is that while we’ve improved, so have a lot of other teams. The Rangers have an upgraded offense with Brad Richards, and Philly should have consistent and strong goaltending for the first time in actually quite a long time (although it will be interesting to see the effect of trading their top 2 offensive stars for lesser known players, although they are still quite deep offensively). The teams who were successful; Boston, Washington, Tampa have maintained their roster (and Pittsburgh might even get Crosby and/or Malkin back this season).

While I feel good about our team, it is again going to be a crapshoot since everyone has changed. It looks like we are on the right trajectory and hopefully we will see improved results! Go Leafs Go!

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: hockey