Guess its a good thing we have all these defenceman stocked up, aint it?

Why do I say this? Because Mike Van Ryn is out for a month.

As we all mostly know (if you don’t, see the video below), Tom Kostopoulos was doing his job being an energetic human smasher, and managed to hit Van Ryn from behind, get a boarding penalty, and get kicked out of the game. Van Ryn would end up having trouble getting up, and being sent to hospital.

Turns out that the hit caused him to break his hand.

And his nose.

Oh, and throw in a concussion.

Thankfully for the Leafs, we still have Kubina, Kaberle, Schenn, Finger, Colaiacovo, Stralman, Frogren, and White. In fact, I think we can afford to lose two more defencemen without major hassle. Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but I’m just saying…it won’t really hurt unless those two are one of the “big two” and Schenn.

By the way, I’m kind of shocked Grabovski wasn’t the victim tonight - how many times was he hit? Apparently he wasn’t happy either. I haven’t heard his interview yet, but I did hear that he basically called everyone but Koivu on the habs unprofessional. Bad blood? You bet.

As promised, here is the video (thanks to Whitby4Bob, as for some reason I can’t get WMM to take my recordings on this new tuner. Say, does anyone know of a good basic free video editing program to use just for trimming?).

"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.

The Ottawa Senators are only 14 games into the season and are already having a goaltending controversy. Once again sens fans grow restless with the play of Martin Gerber who has 1 win this season. On the other hand Alex Auld is 4-0-1 in his last 5 starts. Over the last 3 seasons sens fans have seen Martin Gerber do many things:

- Lost his job to Ray Emery who went on to lead the team to the Stanley Cup Finals.

- Led Ottawa to the best start in the teams history

- Ray Emery returns from injury, Martin Gerber begins to feel pressure, folds like a cheap tent.

- Swept in the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Penguins

-Lost starting job to Alex Auld after only winning one game.

Though Alex Auld is unproven as a starter it appears that he is the starter, cause as much as Hartsburg does not want to hurt Gerber’s confidence, you have to go with the guy who’s hot. I don’t think anyone can doubt he is the starter when in the last 6 games the only one he hasn’t started was the second of a back to back. Auld hasn’t lost in regulation this year, while Gerber only has one win this year. Gerber lacks the confidence and ability to deal with pressure to be a number 1. Auld is thought to be a very streaky goaltender, well he now has the chance to prove any of his critics who think so wrong as Hartsburg has unofficially given him the reigns.

The other goaltending option for the Senators is Brian Elliot, the starting goalie for the Binghamton Senators, who has a 5-2-1 record in 9 starts with the Baby Sens. His best performance would probably be his most recent game where he stopped 48 of 52 shots for the win.

IF you were the sens who would you choose?

The shaky Gerber?

The streaky Auld?

or risk ruining Elliot’s development and bring him up?

Less talent isn’t the only thing new about this year’s edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seems that the most hated team in the league has now become a team that even some long time haters can get behind.

Ron Wilson and his coaching staff deserve all the credit in the world for this team’s ability to not only play over their heads, but play a style of hockey that is fun to watch. Third period comebacks and five goal outbursts aside, Wilson has every Leaf playing hard, finishing checks, and most importantly; buying in to the system. It’s simple, if you don’t buy in to the system or aren’t pulling your weight, you will be enjoying popcorn and a pop in the press box. Wilson could care less if you’re Ian White or Jason Blake, anyone who wants to see ice time is going to have to earn it.

This is the first time in a while that I could honestly say that I love my Leafs. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a die-hard fan and supported my team, but I can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed watching them play. Leafs fans aren’t the only ones loving it this year, I have a couple close friends from rival teams that have admitted to actually liking the Leafs and the style they are playing this season. I think that says a lot about how much this team has changed in such a short period of time, especially when these comments are coming from fans of our Northeast division rivals.

Do I think we will make the playoffs this year? Hell no. One thing is for sure though; myself and a handful of former Leaf haters will absolutely love watching them try.