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Pre-Game Crazy Bread in the Dirty D

October 11, 2018, 1:11 PM ET [261 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Maple Leafs are on the road for their third straight game and what should be their fifth straight win. It was an ugly affair against the Ottawa Senators, one the Leafs and Andersen especially would like to have back.

So far it’s been an offensive muscle flex for the Leafs as they continue to bury goals on command. You have to imagine eventually other team’s defenses will be more structured and goaltenders will settle in. That is likely the case, but one thing is for sure, that power play will be lights out all season long.

So far the Leafs defense has seen a mix of play. Morgan Rielly looks the best he’s looked his entire career. Confident, patient, moving fast, crafty, you name it and the Leafs best defensemen is starting to really blossom into the high quality two-way defender Brian Burke saw when he drafted him fifth overall in 2012. Seems like a long time ago doesn’t it?

Rielly is entering his sixth year with the Maple Leafs and is coming off a season high 52 points in 76 games last season. This season could crush those numbers if Rielly can continue his superb play. One thing is certain, if he continues to be the only defenseman on that first power play, he will surpass 52 points.

Both the Leafs forwards and defense has to be better. Once they get comfortable and Babcock gets all his pieces in place, you can bet the Leafs will slow down in the goal scoring department and tighten up their play defensively. Until they take a beating or two that is of course…I can’t see Babcock loving the Leafs giving up so many goals.

Last season Frederik Andersen got off to a slow start in October and really picked up his game as time went on. Other great goalies have been like this as well, Lundqvist has had this starting slow issue for years. Andresen holds the record for the most Maple Leafs win in a season; which of course he conquered last season with the Buds. Look for Freddy to start heating up!

How about Kapanen, do you think the kid’s hungry out there? Let’s hope he can keep it up and the Leafs can add yet another dynamic to the team when and if Nylander returns.

Could Babcock potentially put Kadri and Nylander together on the third line and keep Kapanen up with Matthews? It sure would add some depth to that third line that could use a bit of a spark…

Enjoy tonight’s game versus Detroit!

Thanks for reading.

Go Leafs Go!
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