Leafs Preview
In my 2007-08 Predictions, I picked the Leafs to finish 6th in the East. There are several reasons for that.
1. Their 2-tier goaltender tandem of Raycroft and Toskala is pretty solid. I know Raycroft took a lot of heat last year, but I still feel that was largely unjustified because the team in front of him played so mediocre. They were 4th-worst in goals against in the the East last season. That same concept of the Leafs being unable to play team defence may still be existent this coming season. Especially with a dolt named McCabe on the blueline and other Leaf d-men that like to get caught up ice.
So how can I predict them to make 6th place with such a negative opinion?
2. To me anyway, the Leafs and Bruins made the most signficant additions in the offseason. I would say that the Sabres were gutted and the Habs are just one big question mark. The Sens may be neutral (haven't gotten much better or worse). Weaker teams in your division makes for more wins as they play eachother so many times.
3. Depth. It looks as though Sundin is going to click well with Blake. The Leafs are deep at center. Matt Stajan could be their 4th line center between Chad Kilger and Boyd Devereaux when Wellwood gets his guts tucked back in. Not bad at all.
The Leafs team will have to completely fall apart to miss the playoffs this year. I just don't see it happening. Are they going to win the Cup? Nope. But they will make it to the dance.
T Tags: Leafs Preview 2007-08
Labels: Leafs
4 Comments:
I gotta agree with your points there. They're better, but not great. Should be good for playing the occasional spoiler and perhaps a playoff upset.
One thing it seems they are not lacking is offense, which is nice. Nothing against the Canucks, but it can be really really hard to get behind a team that can't put the puck in the net, no matter how solid the defense/goaltending is. I'd much rather see a team lose 5/4 than 1/0 ;)
On another note, condolences to the despised Senators on McAmmond getting his brain scrambled by that assclown Downie.
Bettman better throw the book at that toolbox!
Yeah, that hit was a travesty. He jumped over 1/2 a foot off the ice to hit him. Downie is a dink.
If his skates were on the ice and he didn't take a 20 foot run at him I'd be OK with it.
Yeah, leaping like that is ok if you are in an action film and you are jumping while firing a pistol while stuff explodes all around you in slow motion, but not in hockey! Cripes.
Downie is a short little punk anyway so if he hadn't lept up McAmmond wouldn'tve been nailed across the jaw with those armor-like shoulderpads and all would be well.
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