Toronto Maple Leafs Sharp In Preseason Opener

The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off the preseason tonight with a convincing 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Maple Leafs were unrecognizeable from last year's squad, with an overhauled roster that was full of youth, and featured many new faces. After letting in a very early goal and going down 1-0, the Leafs put their youthful speed to good use. Dominic Moore didn't take long to net the tying score after getting in alone against the Buffalo netminder. After that, it was all Maple Leafs, as Carlo Colaiacovo scored the go ahead goal to close out the first period. In the second period the Leafs would widen their lead scoring two unanswered goals, while the third period was full of high scoring action, as each team scored 3 times.

Though the first game of the preseason may hold little weight in the long run, the Maple Leafs had many bright spots in tonight's game that they can be pleased with and build upon for the regular season. One of the brightest was the play of Justin Pogge, who replaced Curtis Joseph in the Maple Leafs net after the first period. Pogge certainly looked the part of the Leafs future starting goaltender, as he played with confidence and made several impressive saves in the face of some intense pressure by the Buffalo offense. Also seeing alot of action tonight, was the Maple Leafs number one draft pick, Luke Schenn. Schenn recieved a significant amount of ice time, and was used often during the Leafs penalty kill. While he didn't put up any points, he was a +2, and was effective playing in his own zone. As was expected from him, he played a sound physical game as well. Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson was impressed with the young blue liner's play, as he could be seen nodding his head in approval while saying "good job" as Schenn returned to the bench. I might even go so far as to say that we could see Luke Schenn make the Maple Leafs lineup this year if he plays this well throughout the preseason.

Among the other Leafs players who impressed tonight were Carlo Colaiacovo, Dominic Moore, Robbie Earl, and Jeff Finger. Colaiacovo was given alot of playing time tonight, and certainly made the most of it. His goal in the first period broke open a tie game and allowed the Maple Leafs to take control. He finished the night with with a +1 rating and 2 points. Dominic Moore was easily the best forward for the Maple Leafs, as his speed and hard work resulted in 2 goals, the second of which he managed to put past the Buffalo netminder as he was being taken down by a defender. Robbie Earl also showed his speed and marksmanship with a breakaway goal. As for the man with the big contract, Jeff Finger showed he is ready to earn his money, and gave Leafs fans a glimpse of what he will hopefully bring to the team once the regular season starts. He played great positional defense, and was very physical in front of the net, something the Leafs will need if they are to reduce their goals against this year. He finished the night a +2 and added an assist as well.

One Leafs player who was surprisingly quiet tonight was Nikolai Kulemin. The Russian superstar started his first game in a Maple Leafs uniform, and aside from a few hits, didn't make very much noise. I expect this will change once Kulemin settles in to the North American version of hockey and gets used to his new teammates. Overall though, the Toronto Maple Leafs put forth a good effort, and they did it with something Leafs fans aren't used to seeing-youth and speed. A long season is still ahead, and there is much work that Ron Wilson needs to do with this team, but the fast and youthful Toronto Maple Leafs did not look at all like the dismal hockey clowns that many analysts have predicted they will be. This season will be an exciting one for Maple Leafs fans.