Toronto Maple Leafs Have What It Takes To Win

Following a devastating and lackluster opening week, the Toronto Maple Leafs bounced back and proved that, despite popular belief; the team has what it takes to win.

On October 12^th, the home opener for the New York was spoiled by the Leafs. Indeed, by making the most of the advantageous power plays and demonstrating a mastery of cooperation, the Leafs were able to claim a 6-3 victory over the Rangers, and finally gave Leafs fan something to cheer about. In their first win of the season, the Leafs scored five goals in the second period and completely overwhelmed the Rangers. Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk were the true stars of the game, and their commendable performances were invaluable. It was glorious.

Last Tuesday, the Leafs brought a win home when they faced off with the Colorado Avalanche at the Air Canada Centre. While the Avalanche seemed to have the upper hand at the commencement of the game, the Leafs were quick to bounce back. As the game wore on and as fatigue began to affect the Avalanche, the Leafs unleashed a torrent of speed and skill. Once again, the game belonged to Kessel, who led the Leafs to a 3-2 victory after scoring the winning goal 34 seconds into overtime.

However, on October 17^th, things took a turn for the worst as the Leafs endured an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Detroit at the Air Canada Centre. Frustratingly, the Leafs readily accepted defeat at the sight of difficulty. That night, the Leafs resigned to defeat before the final buzzer announced the end of the game, thereby exhibiting a lack of professionalism and a complacence within mediocrity. Once again, the Leafs fan base reacted negatively to the disappointing performances and, for the second time in less than a week, a Leafs hockey jersey was thrown onto the ice (last week, a fan threw a jersey during a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins).

This week, the Leafs showed that they are capable of so much more than mediocrity. Still, the team is limiting itself, and growing far too accustomed to poor performances. Hopefully, the Leafs can turn that around as they face the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins in Toronto.