Our Maple Leafs finished the pre-season 2-5-2, pretty much the winning percentage I've predicted for this team.
With a few days before Thursday's season debut, it's time to focus on the positive. I caught a few of the pre-season games and most of the highlights, and here are my thoughts.
Mikhail Grabovsky - It looks like The Grab will score most of Mats' old share of goals. It's been fun watching The Grab, especially with The Hagman on his wing.
Niklas Hagman - The Hagman has been my favourite winger, feeding The Grab. These two on the top line might be our best chance for a little offensive spark. Yes, it's that bad.
Luke Schenn - Our very own Scott Stevens was a pleasure to watch. He's earned a spot in the top four to start the season and is a bona fide future star. Use the force, Luke. Use the force.
The Rest of the Good - I'd like to see more of Ian White as a forward, The Finger looked solid in the one game I saw him play, the defence as a whole shouldn't be any worse than it was the past few seasons and I'm digging what Ron Wilson is saying. Oh yeah, and Tosky might be Turk Broda.
A Bit of the Bad - Mark Bell better not make this team, Cujo looks super shaky, when The Grab is your best forward, it's going to be a looooooooong season.
I can't wait for Thursday.
A few points of my own Mike -
Joseph looks very sketchy in goal.
Schenn should stay with the big club unless he plays poorly in the first 9 games.
Hopefully Kulemin has better season than exhibition.