Let the good time roll

The Maple Leafs have been playing with purpose. They have been winning the puck battles in corners. They have been crisper with passes to each other. The most significant message the team has received is loud and clear: everyone has a job to do and does it in buckets. 

First improvement. Matthews leads the way with responsible defence.

Matthews has become a complete player. Matthews has made an effort to come back defensively. I especially love his effort to return to the defensive zone and not give it up. The never-say-die attitude in the defensive zone has spread to the team. I am watching a much more defensively responsible team this season.

Secondary scoring led by Ondrej Kase and Michael Bunting 

For the Leafs to be successful, there has to be more scoring from someone not named Nylander, Marner, Matthews, or Tavaras. That is where Kase and Bunting have picked up the pace. It is vital, especially for Kase. The bottom six have to pitch in with the odd goal. There will be games where the big four will be held in check; someone has to come through for the team. It's nice to see the team get some scoring from the secondary players. 

Leadership is getting stronger: Spezza and Simmonds

It is becoming clear that Spezza and Simmonds are here to win. Wayne Simmonds and Jason Spezza have made the message that last year's collapse will not be repeated. This season, the Leafs have rarely been overworked. I do not necessarily mean they haven't been out-hit. But they have not stopped skating. The Leafs have become a hard-working team that is willing to do what it takes to win. 

Last word

Campbell is becoming one of the best goaltenders in the League. The Leafs thought they fixed the backup goalie situation with Mrazek. But the Mrazek injuries are worrisome. There is nothing wrong with Mrazek if he is healthy; he is a stable goaltender who gives the Leafs a chance to win each night. The Leafs will have to take care not to overload Campbell, so he is rested for the playoff run.

Randy

Fix the holes

The Islanders having issues in their zone is a little alarming. That does not mean it is time to panic. The issues have to be addressed, but there is plenty of time to fix it. 

Calling out players or coaches does not fix anything. I am a firm believer that you win as a team and you lose as a team. 

The biggest issue is that the Isles are playing without emotion. They are only going through the motions and expecting results. Their days of coming in and surprising teams are gone. 

The powerplay issue is nothing new. Is shooting the puck on the powerplay not an option? I have been preaching this over and over again. Let Pelech and Pulock shoot from the point. Of course, Pulock is out, so someone else will have to blast that shot from the point. The other option is to set up Whalstrom for one-timers from the circle. No more of these "20 passes and then shoot" plays.  

It is easy to blame goaltending. Let me give you a quote from someone in the know. "In a blowout, it is not a time to blame the goalies; it is in 8-7 or 7-6 game. In a blowout, it is a whole team problem, not just the goalie." Yes, the goaltending can be better; the more significant concern is the players in front of the goalies.  

The defence getting caught is an issue, but the forwards are not coming back to help. The speed of the dmen is an issue; the faster forwards need to get back to help in the coverage. The defense is getting caught up, but the forwards act like it is not their job to help out defensive coverage. 

There is plenty of time left in the season. A homestand may be precisely what the doctor ordered. 

Randy