Frank Gunn
Welcome to the land of .500 Leaf Nation. Things feel a little more positive after a 4-1 win over the Senators last night, though we all know nothing has been settled or proven in two preseason games. At least the power play showed up to score three times in the first, and it was good fun to watch Francis Lessard tumble over the boards into Pierre McGuire's lap.
Here's one thing you can take to the bank: the Nikolai Kulemin - Tyler Bozak - Phil Kessel trio will start the season as the team's top line and be counted on to carry the majority of the offensive load. You can mix and match the rest of the forwards on the roster to try to come up with three other NHL-calibre lines.
Next up is a pair of games against the Philadelphia Flyers (tonight in London), followed by a Saturday night tilt with the Buffalo Sabres.
Mirtle reports the Leafs will ice the following lineup tonight:
Forwards
Versteeg - Kadri - Armstrong Caputi - Brent - Mueller Hamilton - Irwin - Boyce Rosehill - Hanson - Brown McKegg
Defence
Beauchemin - Schenn Lebda - Holzer Lashoff - Richmond
Goalies
Reimer (starter) Gustavsson
The links:
The Sun's Mike Zeisberger talks to Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren about the Jeff Carter - Tomas Kaberle trade that never happened.
The National Post's Sean Fitz-Gerald says Ron Wilson is excited about Luke Schenn's potential for a big season.
The Star's Damien Cox is against Leaf fans burning the city down based on the results of preseason games.
Interested in learning more about goaltending prospect Ben Scrivens? Here's a video piece on him from The Hockey News.
Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories wonders if Nazem Kadri is better served starting the season with the Marlies.