The Toronto Maple Leafs have the NHL buzzing right now. Whispers can be heard around the NHL about the Leafs’ speed. As Bruce Boudreau put it, “Speed kills in this game.” The Leafs have done just that, just 28 games into the 2011/2012 season, they are among the top six in offense and second in the Northeast Division.
Since Ron Wilson was hired, many have questioned his offensive style of play. Many have commented on the fast forechecking, D-pinching, run-and-gun style and have wondered why a more defensive system was not employed to make up for the Leafs’ supposed shortcomings.
Well, we are starting to see why this team has employed this style and why it has not been successful in the three previous seasons. Burke has always said that he has not given the coach enough to work with, and that he has all the confidence in Wilson.
After two seasons as the GM and some trades that have absolutely undressed the teams making deals with the Leafs, it finally seems as though the Leafs have the necessary parts to compete.
Phaneuf is the captain of the Leafs and is on pace for a 60-point season. Kessel is tops in the NHL in goals and points and on pace for a lofty 100-plus point season. Joffrey Lupul is tied for second in the NHL in scoring and right on the heels of Kessel for tops in the league. Jake Gardiner impresses more and more every day with his speed and crafty offensive play. John M. Liles makes the transition happen for the Leafs and is the key cog in the Leafs power play that is third in the NHL.
All the aforementioned players were acquired with spare parts, and in the case of Kessel, two first-round selections.
Burke, who is always quiet when the Leafs are doing well and in the spotlight when they are doing poorly, has kept relatively quite since the start of the season, which is a great sign.
The Leafs’ penalty killing that started the season last in the NHL has vastly improved over the last nine games, running at an almost 90 percent clip. With the power play being second in the NHL, a contract extension has to be in cards for Wilson.
I personally like Wilson. He is needs to stay and finish what he has started, and a coach change right now will hurt the Leafs more than fans think. Plus, there are no good coaches available right now. With the Leafs off to such a hot start, how can Burke gamble on a rookie coach and expect the team to still make the playoffs and stay competitive while learning a new style of play, one that is probably more defensive in nature?
Burke has stated that he is perfectly OK with waiting until the end of the season to decide the fate on Wilson, which I agree with. If the Leafs continue this type of play and make the playoffs, then give the man his extension. If the Leafs do not make it, then get rid of Wilson.
As of right now, Leaf fans should be elated. Christmas is almost upon us and the Leafs are second in their division and tied for fifth in the East. Wilson and Burke are who to thank for the success. Let’s give credit where credit is due.