Around the NHL in 30 Days – Toronto Maple Leafs

Fansided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days takes a trip up to T.O. to check in on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Check out the great blog Editor-In-Leaf to read the full Leafs season preview. There is always optimism in Leaf Land this time of year, and for the first time in many years that optimism may be justified.

The Leafs are one of the youngest teams in the league and GM Burke has been working hard to bring in the right pieces. The team seems to finally have satisfied the first line center position with Tim Connolly. Also the goaltending worries have appeared to be quashed thanks to the cool-headed James Reimer. Let’s not forget that the Leafs have some young talent on their blue line in addition to the new players brought in this year (e.g., John-Michael Liles). Here is a snippet of what lead writer Myles Robinson has to say about his Leafs:

"Get ready for a fun ride, Leaf fans. It’s not going to be easy sledding all season, but I’ve got a damn good feeling this is the year they get back to the big dance, and we all know, once you’re there, anything can happen. Go Leafs!"

Last season in their lone meeting against the Leafs, the Sharks were shocked at home with a 4-2 loss. No doubt the Leafs were motivated that night to get head coach Ron

Wilson his 600th career coaching win. Not only was Wilson personally motivated to get the win against his former team, but reportedly he also gave his players some “financial motivation” to get the win. I’m sorry Ron, but if you need to offer these well-paid athletes extra financial motivation to win for you… well then you have a problem in your dressing room.

The Leafs haven’t made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season. They are going to work hard this year each night, and I think they will do enough to finally squeak in as the 8th seed in the East.

Check back tomorrow for another team to be spotlighted in FanSided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days!

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