With four unanswered goals, the last one into an empty net, the Toronto Maple Leafs reached .500 for the first time this year completing a 2 game sweep of the St. Louis Blues with a 4-1 victory at the Air Canada Centre. For the second game in a row, Jonathan Bernier was solid as he came up with several big saves and withstood a furious attempt by St. Louis at the end of the game. With the status of James Reimer up in the air, the Leafs will need Bernier to continue his recent play.
Peter Holland looked the part of a former first round pick scoring the ultimate game winner on a bullet of a shot that Blues goalie Jake Allen had no chance on. Holland led all Leaf forwards with seven shots and really has stepped up his play since being sent up to the press box earlier this season. You have to be impressed with the overall play of Nazem Kadri as he scored a key insurance goal last night that gave the Leafs a 3-1 lead that pretty much salted the game away. What is most impressive is his play defensively as Coach Mike Babcock matches Kadri's line against the other team's top line.
As was pointed out last night during the telecast, it is remarkable to look at where the Leafs were last year compared to this year. While last year's team was seventh overall in the East, it was evident to many that they were not as good as the record showed. That became very clear after the firing of Randy Carlyle and the awful record under Peter Horachek. The biggest difference with this year's team was described by Tyler Bozak. Bozak indicated that last year when the team fell behind they knew they would lose. This year, according to Bozak, they expect to win every game and never feel they are out of a game. That has been clear to me even in October when the team could not post a win.
Many in Leaf Nation seem to be confused as to whether they should be happy with the team's play or upset that they are not losing more. My thoughts on this: 1.) Mike Babcock is developing a culture that will be long lasting. Accountability and being defensively responsible are the key along with not being afraid to go into the dirty areas offensively. When the Nylanders and Marners are ready to put the Leaf uniform on there will be no confusion as to what the expectations are if you want ice time and 2.) If we take Leaf management at its word, many current Maple Leafs will not be with the club after February 29th. I will be surprised if some of the players signed to one year contracts and pending free agents are not moved for draft picks thus further stocking the team's young talent pool. In the end, we need to appreciate the turnaround that is taking place. With a draft class that may be one of the deepest, the Leafs are certain to get a very talented player with their first round pick.
As the team heads out West this week, Leaf fans have to be optimistic with the direction of the franchise. What a difference a year makes!!!
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