"We're just awesome, aren't we?"

When Cliff Fletcher took over for John Ferguson Jr. last season, he vowed that change was in store. And like newly elected Barack Obama hopes too, Silver Fox has delivered on that promise.

It was never more evident in tonights 6-3 win over the seemingly unstoppable Montreal Canadiens.

A team that has taken its time to adapt to the new NHL, Fletcher brought in some quicker players to help the Leafs become a faster team. The line of Hagman-Grabovski-Kulemin, all new additions to the team from last season, is the prime example of that. They combined for 5 points tonight (3 G, 2 A), continuing their hot streak (10 goals, 19 points over the last 4 games). The trio combine to form the dynamic offensive line the Leafs have been lacking since prior to the lockout.

Another area the Leafs have changed: sticking up for each other. When Van Ryn was drilled from behind, Colaiacovo stepped in right away. When Schenn was tripped up going back for a loose puck, Colaiacovo and Moore stepped in again. It’s evident that the Leafs really do like each other, the respect they have for each other shows when tough guys like Moore and Colaiacovo are throwing shots after the whistle.

But it’s not only amongst themselves that respect is being earned, it’s around the league. For a team that is supposed to be a leader in the Tavares Derby (or Hedman, depends on who you talk to), a 6-5-4 record after 15 games is nothing short of amazing. But it’s not the number of wins that’s earning respect, it’s the way in which they are winning them.

Coming back from a 2 goal deficit is becoming routine for this Leaf team. They came back to tie the game in the last minute before losing in the SO to the Ducks. They came back to tie the game, and take the lead in the 3rd to beat the Bruins. They came back twice versus the Devils to win in the SO. They had a monster 3rd period to beat the Rangers. They came back from a 3 goal deficit in the 3rd before losing to the ‘Canes in OT.

The “never say die” attitude has been adopted as a new slogan (I never liked “Leaf Nation”), and while Ron Wilson would rather not have to come back, he’s not complaining. One could argue that other than the 2nd game of the season vs Montreal, the Leafs have been in every game so far. Had they more success after 60 minutes, the Leafs would be 10-5-0 (second only to the Rangers in the East). And while it may be counter-productive (more on that tomorrow), teams around the league are taking notice. This is a team that doesn’t back down anymore, they don’t fall apart like they did last season. And maybe most importantly to the average fan, they’re an extremely entertaining team to watch.

The respect doesn’t only extend to the dressing rooms of each team, it’s starting to spill out into the stands. For the second time in a week, the Leafs have been applauded off the ice during the final minutes of regulation. The Leafs haven’t had much to cheer for over the past 3 seasons, but it’s very refreshing to see the playoff atmosphere back at the ACC. It’s still early (Leafs aren’t even a playoff team as is), and there may be a lot of losing left to do, but it’s still nice to see (if only for another month or so.)

Cliff Fletcher wanted to mold a fast, hardworking team when he took over in January. The key to it all? Where Paul Maurice would have opted for Chamomille Tea, Ron Wilson prefers Dunkin Donuts.

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Tomorrow: I tackle the Tank Debate.