Tuesday, November 14, 2006
What’s the Difference this Year?
With an off day yesterday, there isn't much new to report on the Maple Leafs, but this gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at this team. Why are they exceeding people's expectations and playing well? What is so different from last year?First off, I think we have to look at the head coach. Paul Maurice has done an excellent job with this team in my opinion. He has defined each player’s role with the team, and they are buying into it. Last year, I believe Leaf players grew tired of Pat Quinn's philosophy and failure to adapt to the 'new' NHL. Maurice has let Kyle Wellwood do what he does best with the puck and use his offensive ability. He's told Michael Peca that his main role is to play defense and let the scoring come from other players. Peca is a huge reason the Leafs penalty killing is ranked 9th in the league at 86.6% compared to last seasons 24th rank at 80%. He's instilled confidence in Matt Stajan who's improved his play this year, recording 13 points so far in 19 games. Last year Stajan had 27 points in 80 games. Maurice has also got Jeff O'Neill playing better this year. Sure O'Neill may be healthier and dealing better with his brothers passing, but Maurice has stuck with him, praising and rewarding his play. O'Neill isn't playing at the level he did a few years ago, but he's a +4, compared to -19 last year, and on pace for about 50 points.
No Aki Berg and Alexander Khavanov. For those of you who have followed the Leafs the last couple years, an explanation of this is not really needed. By not re-signing these two, and adding Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina, greatly improved the defense (just getting rid of Berg and Khavanov improved their defense). For the most part this season, the Leafs have played better defensively compared to last year. With Kubina being injured for most of the season so far, Ian White and Brendan Bell have stepped into the lineup and have played well. Kubina should be back from the Czech Republic today, and in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Bruins. Hal Gill seems to have turned his play around lately (maybe he was informed that I wasn't impressed with his play and decided to step it up). They have allowed 7 fewer goals this season when compared to last year.
Now there's no guarantee that the Leafs will be able to keep this pace all season, especially with Sundin out and with Raycroft having a slight groin problem, but I'm more optimistic now. They're not a contender for the cup, but they should make it into the playoffs, which I didn't think they could do coming into the season.
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