After the last contest between these two teams, there were some positive notes for a developing Detroit team. There is no such growth tonight. These clubs are heading in two very different directions. Toronto is brimming with confidence and making up for lost time. Their 54 shots were the most Detroit has seen since I was 1976. (Ironically, the year I was born)
It is clear that Sheldon Keefe is the tonic the Leafs desperately needed. It gives one pause to wonder where the tonic will come for Detroit. This team is spiraling right now. Injuries are mounting, but a 43 year high in shots against is a nightmare. Bernier was a trooper to come in with the flu after Howard was knocked out in the first period.
This is the kind of game that can derail a young team. You found out, quickly, how far behind in talent you really are. Fabbri couldn’t find any magic with Larkin and Bertuzzi. There was a lack of pushback in general by the team. I give full marks, again, to Bernier for battling.
Toronto has captured a much needed emotional bounce back. They seem ready to propel forward and contend for a better fate than a wild card entry into the playoffs. Yes, that’s a way off, but the team clearly has the talent to get it done. Detroit needs to find some emotional positivity after this one. 7 straight losses isn’t good for anyone.
Things are a bit closer to critical mass, or at least they seem that way, than may be comfortable for management. Status quo is still the soup du jour, but how much longer can they allow the young players to struggle like this? With one night off and then back to back games this losing streak could hit double digits.
For Detroit, ditch the tape. It is time to refocus, and Thanksgiving may well be the needed remedy. As hard as things are, these players still have an opportunity to live their dreams out. They cannot change what has happened up until now, but their attitude and reaction can dictate what happens next. A deep dose of perspective is needed, plus a healthy dose of positive reinforcement.
The best part of this game for Detroit, in the end, is that it has ended. Move on and move forward. Hopefully they will show some passion this weekend as they try to shake this difficult loss.
Thanks to all who stop by to read and comment. Keep it coming! I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. Enjoy this time to pause and be thankful. I will be back on Friday for some pregame thoughts.
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