Three in a Row and Counting: Momentum, Mistakes, and the Next Move

What is next for the Leafs? Do they want a replacement on the blueline? What is Stolarz's current status—how badly is he injured? Was it a long-term or short-term injury? Are the Leafs still going to try to find that missing forward? Do they still believe in themselves?

With all of these uncertainties in mind, it's worth noting that as of the time of writing this blog, the Maple Leafs have defeated the Pens, the Panthers, and the Canes.

The Pittsburgh game was especially impressive, not only because they scored seven goals but also due to their defensive soundness in their own end. The Pittsburgh game might have been the best sixty-minute game of the season.

The Panthers' game was essentially the defeat of a beaten-up squad. Florida might have been short-handed, but you still have to perform. Good on the Maple Leafs for executing their game plan. The key point to their victory was that they beat the Panthers at their own game—playing physically and pushing the pace when they could.  The defence was getting the puck out of the defensive zone, and more importantly, the forwards were giving them targets to pass to. Nothing fancy, just working hard and executing on their chances. What was just as important was that they limited the Panthers' scoring chances. I am a firm believer that defence wins championships.

Carl Kneis was a beast. He played with hustle and refused to give up. Matthews scored his best goal of the season on a 2-on-1. Hildeby was outstanding in the net. He has really fit in nicely as a fill-in for Stolartz. Losing Woll in the game is concerning. Depending on the severity of the injury, we may need to go with goalie shipping.

The main problem for the Maple Leafs is consistency. They go through stages: winning two in a row, then losing two in a row. It is like they get too confident, thinking they're better than they really are, and forget all the basics.

What is next?

• Remember how to win.
• Keep up the hard work.
• Protect your own end.
• Keep track of your man in the defensive zone.
• Fulfil your responsibilities and work together as a team.

Final word

I think the Leafs will get another dman. And if they can, another forward.

It is exciting to see the Leafs getting it together for three wins in a row. Hildeby will earn his keep. It is his time to shine, or should I say, put up or shut up?

What defencemen should the Leafs attempt to acquire? The two best—Andersson and Hughes—are out of the question. Maybe the defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. He would be my pick.

Randy