The Leafs will start their 82 game journey tomorrow evening against their long time rival Habs. They will hope to start out on the right foot, and void a similar fate they experienced last year as they went 0 for 8 to start the season.
The opening day line up for the buds look like this :
Kessel - Bozak - Versteeg
Macarthur - Grabovski - Kulemin
Sjostrom - Brent - Armstrong
Brown - Mitchell - Orr
Phaneuf - Beauchamin
Komisarek - Kaberle
Schenn - Gunnerson
Giguerre - Monster
All lines seemed to show good chemistry in pre-season , I really think Hanson earned the 4th line spot, and will re take that position very quickly if Mitchell struggles.
The power play looked great and showed alot of promise for the coming season. Phaneuf positions himself in front of the net, and versteeg moves the puck around. The movement on the PP really impressed me, and I haven't seen that creativity in Toronto ever.
I am trying to contain myself , and stay rational but I cant help but think that this year could be an entertaining one. This team is the team you can finally judge Burke on, he has his fingerprints all over this squad. I think the leafs are improved in all areas, and it will be interesting to see just how much more work needs to be done.
Couple interesting notes:
Kaberle will not be an assistant captain this year. I believe this will be his last i Toronto, and there is still a chance he is moved at some point this season.
There are rumblings that a blockbuster with the devils is in the works. Elias , Langenburner , Zubrus and a 1st pick are all floating on the devils side, and Grabovski, Kaberle , and Finger are names on the leafs side.
Kyper tweeted that Burke is interested in Elias ... but someone would have to come back with him, I am sure, due to the contract and age of the player.
Elias and Zubrus / Langenburner / Zajac and high pick for Kaberle and Grabovski / Finger .... We will see!! Devils need to be under the cap in a few hours .... as do several other teams ....
Game on!!
