October 6, 2009.
It's two games into the regular season. Vesa Toskala is no longer the starting goalie, trade rumors are flying, and Ron Wilson will be fired tonight if the team doesn't play better defensively - in the minds of some fans.
But let's get real here:
Yes the defense continues to be terrible.
Last year the focus was to improve team speed and puck possession with several young players competing for roster spots. Ron Wilson has enabled his previous teams out west to play extremely well defensively - but with the added help of top goaltending and a good defense core. Perhaps in time we will see that with the Leafs. Perhaps - it's too early to judge.
Toskala's days as the #1 goalie could be over, but Gustavsson has to prove himself first. Adjusting to the NHL is no easy chore. Suggesting he becomes the #1 with a few good games would be unwise - would giving both goalies 40 games a piece be the right move ? - it's too early to judge.
After 10 games we may get an idea of what to expect from this team, but often 20 games is the barometer. And let's not forget Phil Kessel enters the lineup in November, so hanging in there around the .500 mark until his return might be a nice idea. By that time trade rumors likely become more legitimate.
The team chemistry appears out of sync, and for good reason, there's not one forward line that's been together for more than two weeks. That will create plenty of positional miscues. Over the next 10 games things should gel in that regard at least. And finding the correct personnel to use on the top specialty team units is also work in progress.
This Toronto Maple Leafs roster is by no means set, and is still 'under construction'.
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