Sorry for the lateness on this, I cut my middle finger and that happens to be my main typing instrument.
The Leafs were able to defeat the Team that claims to be from Utah 3-2 on Sunday in the only game of the night. By saying "able" I feel like I am doing a disservice to the Leafs and pumping up the HC. The Leafs ran roughshod over them for 80% of the game and outside of some luck, Vejmelka seemed to have another "They got goalied!" moment going against them.
It's early, but I am getting a little bit excited about this team, especially when you think about the idea that they need more in the top-6 and that they are doing so well with some "dregs."
Some Notes
Mitchell Marner - I have been a critic of Mitch Marner for the past 2 years like the majority of the fans of the Leafs. Is it fair? A little...is it justified? I think so. Has he been everything we all want him to be in the past 8 games? HOLY! This is the problem with Marner. He is a top-10 talented player in the league and he can and does perform that way...at times. It's in the same vein, but not really a good 1 to 1, but Alex Kovalev could just turn on the "I'm actually Mario Lemieux" randomly and then become a 3rd liner doing bullshit every season. Marner is far more consistent, but also has these moments of just not being on his game. With Matthews out, this seems to be his team and he has embraced it. I really hope he can keep up this level of confidence as he will be getting PAID regardless.
Alex Steeves - What exactly do you do here? I don't like to criticize players that aren't expected to be great, but I have to say it...what does Steeves do well? He's...Holmberg-lite...which isn't good. I think it speaks to the lack of centre depth the Leafs have internally that there is no real 3rd line centre option that can be relied on. I don't think he's long for this team, but he is a good AHL option.
The Defense - I think we have all been lulled into the love of the #1 defenseman that leads the team to victory. It's a good formula and is historically a good way to look at things. I've been on the "Rielly isn't a #1 dman" for 8 years, but I can also admit that the Penguins won a Cup without Letang using a near done Ron Hainsey as their minute muncher. The defense overall has been fantastic and I think it is showing what a group can do vs the individual.
More upcoming about the CHL kicking the crap out of the USDP. I watched the game and will do a second viewing to give greater detail. The 2025 draft is looking good.
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