The Toronto Maple Leafs have their work cut out for them if they plan on qualifying for the postseason.
According to captain Dion Phaneuf, the Leafs plan to challenge for a playoff spot and making the playoffs is possible. However, the Leafs will have to buy into general manager Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson's philosophy of teamwork and hard work.
Working hard is a must for a team that ranked 25th overall in goals for last year, and has lost some pieces of the offensive puzzle coming into this season. Players such as Tyler Bozak, Kris Versteeg, Nikolei Kulemin, and Clarke MacArthur will have to play much bigger roles if the Leafs hope to make it back to the postseason.
The Leafs' defense will have to step up and play like their salaries say they should (in other words, close to the best in the league). They cannot afford the defensive gaffes early in the season from key veterans such as Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin of the prior year.
Goaltending is an area where the Leafs have improved significantly. Between Jonas Gustavsson and Jean-Sebatien Giguere, the Leafs should be fairly safe. Look for the Monster and the for ...
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Article written by Cale Loney
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