Better Or Not?

Once again, proof that there's nothing like a two-game winning streak.

That's if you're the Maple Leafs, of course.

This, needless to say, is part of the problem Ron Wilson faces as coach of the team. The Leafs knocked off Boston and Ottawa in succession last week, two solid victories over divisional opponents, and already there's talk all around that the club is clearly either improved or improving.

Voices on Hockey Night in Canada worried on Saturday that the Leafs might be becoming too good too fast. Luke Schenn (8 games played, 0 points, minus-3) has apparently not only proven he must stay in the NHL, he's being listed as a candidate for the Calder Trophy by various media pundits. The team, some suggest, is burdened with nine "proven" NHL defencemen. It goes on and on.

Just two victories in a row, and a 3-2-3 record, has produced all this.

People do seem to like the way the Leafs are playing, and that's fair, although at this time last year they were the NHL's highest scoring club. This year's team is clearly faster and seems to be more consistently industrious. Against a slumping Ottawa team on Saturday, the Leafs were first to the puck all night and outskated a Senators team that used to outskate the Leafs with ease.

But was that more of a measure of the Sens or the Leafs?

The Boston victory was impressive because it was a comeback win, and in three games last week, the Leafs allowed just six goals, certainly evidence of enhanced defensive play.

But two games in an 82-game slate don't prove much, and Wilson's dilemma, just as it was for Pat Quinn and Paul Maurice and those that came before, is that the city is as easily satisfied as the players. The bar has been set so low by decades without a championship that minor accomplishments are viewed as major ones. HNIC, desperate for the Leafs to do well to enhance it's ratings and with a strong pro-Toronto lean, wildly exaggerates the most meagre positive notes and treats every single member of the team like a star. On last week's show, one analyst suggested Mike Van Ryn was a "great" NHL defenceman.

None of the other five Canadian teams are viewed through the same rose-colored prism as the Leafs by HNIC. That's how players like Darcy Tucker managed to become marquee names.

This is what Wilson is up against. To make this team successful over time, he will have to find a way to overcome the atmosphere surrounding his team that allows a couple of wins to be portrayed as sure signs of progress. Already, you can imagine that he's fearful that the wild praise being showered upon Schenn, who does look like a solid NHL prospect, is going to go to the kid's head.

Last year, Jiri Tlusty scored twice in his first NHL game and folks were projecting him to be a top six forward. A year later, he's in the minors, but there's this belief out there that Schenn is somehow exempt from all of the landmines that trip up young players.

That the team is willing to burn a year of his entry level contract, needless to say, just demonstrates that the Leaf organization still doesn't understand the managing the payroll in a salary cap era is crucial.

But as usual, the Leafs are selling hope, not excellence. Spirit (not winning) is everything, goes the team's slogan.

So what would be measures of team improvement?

Play consistently well for a month. Get the team's goals-against average, now 11th overall, into the top half-dozen. Realize improvement in the league's 24th best penalty killing outfit. Enhance the team's offence, now 28th in the NHL with the 23rd best power play, to at least the top 20.

Some won't like this blog posting, and will say its the usual negative, glass-half-empty approach. This team was not expected to do well, and some will suggest three wins in eight games to start the season is evidence of a team that is over-achieving.

But isn't it about time Leaf fans and local media started looking at their hockey team realistically, rather than believing in the latest two-game win streak?

Comments

[Peter]

Damien,

i wonder what you would have written if the Leafs lose six out of the eight games? then it would be: what a bad team and how can everybody put up with such... bla-bla-bla. this is why i hate the Toronto media, if the Leafs are bad, that's the problem, if they play a little bit better than everbody expected, than that's the problem.

[Bruce]

Damien whether they're in the top six, or 24th, 10th or where they stand on stats, the only number that matters will be where they are in the standings at the trade deadline. If management feels they are close enough to get into the playoffs, then they'll trade to get someone to move them into playoff contention. Just think of all that money to be made from possibly 3 or 4 home games....and even more, maybe.

Forget managing the salary cap, the Leafs only care about managing the bottom line.

[Corey]

Hey Cox, you are right that this isnt a Stanley Cup team (maybe not even a playoff team) but the thing that makes us Leafs fans smile is the effort put forth by the entire team. I realize that this may not be possible in the dog days of the season, but for right now it is so much better than the last three seasons in Toronto. Hard working, energetic, and accountable is all we ask for right now. We can build on the skill set and see what becomes of our team from there, but Cliff and Wilson have changed the identity of this team for the better.

[Hwydog]

Not negative, simply a realistic evaluation of what has gone on with the team so far. I am impressed with the lack of ego or selfishness on the team.

[bluejay]

Damien,

I believe most fans, and for that matter the Leafs themselves are being realistic in assessing the club's performance to date. It's the media that seems to be getting things confused - as per usual in this town.

In terms of record, you're correct in stating the Buds aren't any better than they were this time last year. HOWEVER; when their record is taken in context with all the changes that have occurred since last season, such as Fletcher's house-cleaning, a new coach, a new defensive system, a new work ethic that focuses on team accountability and NO MATS - they are indeed a markedly improved lot (to date).

This will be a long season and there's bound to be setbacks. We get it ... the team gets it ... what will it take for the Toronto sports media to ... get it?

[kennyd]

The Leafs could go 96 and 0 and Cox would complain about the cars they were riding in in the parade. If you don't like the Leafs go report on the Raptors. They would probably like to have someone watch their games.

[BC]

Damien, I have to disagree with you. I don't think fans and media think that just because of their last two wins that the team is hugely improving and going to be a contender. We were all expecting this new Leaf team to be abysmal this year and not an exciting team to watch. But what we are seeing is a young leaf team that is playing hard. More importantly win or lose this team is a lot more exciting to watch than last years. And I think this is what is surprising everyone. Are they or will they be good enough to make the playoffs? Most likely not. But they look to be working hard and improving every game and buying into what the couch is selling which bodes well for the future.

[Pension Plan Puppets]

Damien, what people won't like about the posting isn't that you are pointing out that there are a lot of ways for the Leafs to improve but your suggestion that Leaf fans are satisfied with what the team has done thus far.

Leaf fans recognize that the process to return to being a Stanley Cup contender (which, as much as you hate to admit it, they were most years from 1997-98 to 2003-2004) is a long one but don't begrudge us a little happiness at seeing some hopeful markers. There is a long, long, long way to go but if you are going to tar all fans as "Gee golly, two wins! GETZ YER CRAYONS OUT!" morons at least provide some proof.

[Waiting4Cup]

I agree with Damien. Although it's fun to watch overachieving is not in the team's best interest right now. It's like Fletcher said the goal is to "compete with the top teams in the league". Consider that other teams can roll out Crosby, Malkin and Gonchar or how about Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom. The Leafs best equivalent is probably Antropov, Schenn and Toskala? We must stay the course and develop the top end talent.

[Moe Green]

Damien Devil-boy,

I remember the team last year. At no time did I think Tlusty was a shoe-in as a top six forward. This year, though they have shown promise, I am still unsold on Grabovsky and Kulemin. Schenn has exhibited poise and real defensive skill. Numbers can be deceiving. Just watch the way he handles the puck, the way he doesn't panic, the way he positions his body. Superstar? Not yet. Potential? Obvious. The only reason I would send Schenn back to Junior is to make waiverless room for a glut of able defensemen. He has clearly earned his way onto the team for the good of the Leafs and his own development.

There is a major difference between this and last year's team. This years team is learning a new system. Last years team was playing a "system" they had been practicing for two years. This team is not collapsing late in the game. Headlines said they "hung on against Ottawa. That's only because a fluke late goal gave the Sens a little life. Anyone who can't see the glaring differences between this team and last year's just isn't paying attention.

Yes HNIC overrate this team and its players, perhaps for their own selfish reasons, but the local Toronto media have been doing the opposite for theirs. Though it may not be in the best interests of the franchise, it's reasonably likely that these Leafs will at least condtend for a playoff spot this year. Too bad for a top draft pick, but what a fun season it's going to be. You don't have to draft at the very top to win a Cup, you have to draft consistantly well and often. If the Leafs are out of contention for a playoff spot this season, you can bet Fletcher or whomever will be dumping some salary for draft picks and prospects. If they are close, as I think they will be, it'll likely be status quo. That is good enough for me.

Overrated? Maybe by a few. But I think the average fan has realistic expectations and will be happy to see progress and a vision this season. In my mind, this team is two top flite forwards away from serious contention. Wouldn't you agree that a Franchise centre and an all-star sniper can make this team a contender for the Cup as early as next season? Think Vinnie and Jerome. Rose coloured glasses? We'll see.

Harry Neal once said about winning: "It's not the team with the best players, it's the players with the best team." That's the philosophy that Toronto Maple Leafs fan will embrace above all else. That's the team Ron Wilson is building. Sure it's nice to win, but anyone can win with a stable of superstars. What would really be special is a team winning with a bunch of hard working $2 million players. In fact, as unrealistic as it may seem, that's what I want my Leafs to become: the best $2 million team in the League.

[eyebleaf]

Are you serious, Mr. Cox? You're taking others to task for saying that Van Ryn is "great" defenceman, and taking others to task for saying that Schenn is a Calder candidate?

Hold up a second, aren't you the one that said that Matt Stajan - Matt freaking Stajan - should be the next Captain of the Leafs? Why is it OK for you to spew nonsense, but not OK for others to do the same? Treat yourself the way you are treating the other "analysts" out there.

I think you tend to write stuff that you know people will disagree with, but I'd love a retraction re: that Stajan as captain comment. It was absolutely preposterous and until you retract that ridiculous assertion that Stajan could one day wear the "C" in Toronto, you have no basis to accuse any analyst, writer, or even blogger, that they are out of line.

And will you ever start replying to comments here on your blog? I thought the whole point of a blog was to generate discussion in the comments? We'd love to hear from you, Mr. Cox.

[Mike Ritchie]

I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. Granted, only 10% of the season has been played to date, but I expected the Leafs be lower in the standings than they are. Projected out to 82 games, the Leafs are on pace for 92 points, another 9th place finish and right now, the 14th overall draft pick.

Do I think they will maintain this pace. No I don't. Do I worry that they will? Yes I do. Let's see where they are come the end of November or into December as you suggest.

As for Luke Schenn. There is NO strategic advantage for keeping him up here at the NHL level this year, only a disadvantage when it comes to contracts and salary caps as you point out. The Leafs never seem to be able to look past next game, next week, next month in their approach.

"Hope is not a strategy."

[Guido]

The reason the Leafs will never fully rebuild isn't because of the fans - it's because the media won't let them, plain and simple.

Why is it so hard to just enjoy and appreciate a well coached hard working team, which for every game but 1 (Mtl) this team has been. The playoffs are a goal and should be a goal every year. But this team has to make sure that they don't kill the next 3-4 years trying to make the playoffs this year, and I don't think they will.

Schenn deserves to be here, and if Toronto wants to rebuild - why not let him learn in the NHL with top coaches against pros?

"burdened with nine "proven" NHL defencemen" -- Damien you love to dog the defencemen don't you? But look at the facts. A healthy Carlo is at the very least a #6 D man in the NHL, and some may argue a top 4 on many teams. Ian White is a strong puck moving young defencemen who as well is at the very least a #6 D man - with PP opportunity. Through in Danny Markov-ish Frogran and you have 3 guys that are good enough to play for 80% of the other teams in the NHL.

Nobody can suggest that these guys are worth say a 1st or 2nd round pick .. but a 3rd-4th or a comparable project Forward maybe. The best move is try and trade Kubina and/or Kaberle for way more and then slot these guys back in the lineup.

[Pat - Vaughan]

Damien you are always saying Luke would be better off if they sent him back to the WHL. Well if he's showing signs he's good enough for the NHL then I think it would be better to send him to the AHL Marlies so then he can polish other parts of his game at a pro level. It is true the Leafs from a team points perspective are pretty much no better than the Leafs of last year or the year before. It is way too early to say they are improved.

[bill hunt]

I think Ron Wilson put it the best I've ever heard: that the media (and therefore the fans) in Toronto have a "bipolar" approach to winning. Every win is hailed as the first step toward the Stanley Cup and every loss is the sky falling in again.
The Leafs ARE improved if they're a hard-working, energetic group with a better defensive structure and they're installing a culture of working hard every night. It may not always translate to wins and losses, but it translates in attitude and in sowing the seeds for the future.
They should keep Schenn if he's legitimately among their top 6 even if he doesn't play every night. He can probably learn more, and gain more experience, practicing every day with the NHL club and travelling and learning how to be an NHLer; than he can by going back to junior and dominating without sweating too much.

[Jiminy Glick]

Damian,

I enjoy your column and your blog but it seems that you're more concerned with bashing everything that is Leafs than anything else.

I've been as big a critic as anyone with respect to this club. They've made themselves huge targets by constantly making dumb decisions. But to carry on bashing them at all costs, even when some positive feedback is warranted is just plain juvenile. Couldn't you possibly admit that Schenn looks better than you thought he would and that his play has warranted a spot on the team? I also thought he should be sent to junior but have since changed my mind. It happens - I'm not afraid to admit it. Would it kill you to ever acknowledge that you may have been wrong in your assessment?

You're right, a 2 game win streak is nothing more than that. But there are indications that the mind-set of this club is turning and that better things are ahead. Why can't you just write that?

[Moe Green]

I just gotta add how crappy this article is Damien,

Why would you choose to malign the obvious progress made by this team. After years of the pathetic Pat Quinn and JFJ, couldn't you acknowlege they are moving in the right direction? What woeful coaches this team has had - now we have areal one. No one save the media is having unrealistic expectations for this team. A real hockey writer would have discussed the obvious specific improvements this team is making. Stats? Did you watch any of the recent games. They solidly outplayed Ottawa, Boston and Anaheim. They went nearly two periods without allowing a shot on goal last week. Wow, my Leafs? Any comments about that? Wilson is a real coach, Fletcher is a solid if temporary manager. Whose signings do u prefer, his or Quinn's and JFJs? C'mon Cox, let's have a realistic look at the team. Only a non-fan could see what you see. Sheesh man, this is Toronto and the Leafs are showing signs of life. Credit where credit is due boy. Or are you a little dissapointed that your gloomy predictions might not come true. You once said you were not a Leafs fan. Seriously? Are you a fan of the city? If you are a fan of the city then you have to be a Leaf fan, Blue Jay fan, Raptor fan. Why else would anyone support any team. Are you a fan or another team or not a fan of any team? If you are not a fan of any team, then you shouldn't be writing about hockey for god's sake. Sports is all about fandom, without it, you have nothing. And don't gimmie that BS that you are a "fan of hockey." Why would anyone watch a bunch of millionaire athletes scrimmage without being a fan of a specific team? I love how you writers always assume we go to the games to watch the superstars. I guess some do, but they arent real fans. Can you imagine the mentality of anyone who was glued to the steroid-fueled home run race of Sosa and McGuire a few years back? We (real fans) don't go to the game to watch overpaid athletes pad their stats, we go to games to watch our home team compete. What could be worse than writing about a team you don't care about? If you are fan of the Pittsbugh penguins, then move to Pittsburgh. Where do you get your passion? No wonder your articles seem so cold and detatched. If I am wrong please tell me where I missed the point.

[CARLoS M.]

An excellent assessment of the travesty that is the Toronto Maple Leafs and it's fans... God help them. And I am one of those needing help.

Very well said Damien. Keep typing. The truth is out there.

[Drew]

well Leaf's fans ... the Jack Nicholson line to Tom Cruise comes to mind ... "you can't stand the truth"!!! once again, the parade plans are underway, and anyone who sees this team for what it really is called names ... enjoy burying your heads in the sand!!

[Geoff Read]

Damien et al.,
I'm a Habs' fan and I enjoy the blog and columns ragging on the Leafs. I agree that the notion that Toronto's defense is a strength is overstated - the Leafs' D-men 1-6 are middle of the pack at best - but surely you go too far in suggesting there's no value to the 9 NHL d-men the Leafs have? Kaberle is a legitimate top two defencemen, albeit a flawed one; Kubina, who you rated in a previous blog as a fifth or sixth man at best on a good team, is much better than that - he's big, moves the puck well, skates well, and has a good shot from the point - he's a top three guy on most teams. After that the Leafs have a bunch of 5's and 6's, to be sure, but they are legitimate 5's and 6's. Ian White can't crack the lineup but has already proven to be a pretty reliable sixth man and power play guy for the second unit in previous seasons. Surely he, packaged with one or two of the Leafs' other excess D-men, could fetch a serviceable draft pick, prospect, or forward.

[Paul G]

Mr Cox,

"That the team is willing to burn a year of his entry level contract, needless to say, just demonstrates that the Leaf organization still doesn't understand the managing the payroll in a salary cap era is crucial."

A somewhat irresponsible comment on your part - you have far less experience (0 days) about managing a team in the salary cap era than MLSE, even if they're learning the hard way of what not to do. What position are you in to evaluate and advise anyone on salary cap issues, other than expressing an opinion instead of implying fact as you are? I could say that you stink as a columnist, but that doesn't make it so.

[jason chapman]

Damien,
Definitely have to agree with you on that one. I am a Leaf fan, but not a fanatic. I find it very hard to cheer for a bunch of euro players that have the talent, but don't use it. Someone is going to tell me that Dominic Moore is as solid as Boyd Devereaux? They brag about their "problem" on defense as if Frogren and Stralman are solid....I don't think so...They are hard to watch and even harder to cheer for. The enthusiasm is just not there this year.

[Roy Anderson]

Damien COX must be a real lemon - and his views are about the same as that of the yellow fruit.

What a kill-joy he is! The Leafs may NOT be world beaters, now or ever, but they are playing exciting and pleasing hockey. Isn't THAT what we want? Of course, it is. For a newspaper flunky to give his opinions as though they are 'writ in stone', is beyond the pale. Many fans love the Leafs and only wish them to play well. It is dullards like Cox who DEMAND cups and trophies.

He's real wet blanket - and boring as heck to boot!

[Reality]

I was born and grew up in Toronto. I was 6 when the leafs last won the cup. The problem (and what Schenn needs to be shielded from) is two fold: Press and fanatics. String 2 or 3 wins together and the leafs are going to win the cup. String 2 or 3 losses together and lynch the coach and player(s) of the writer's choice. What has to happen (will not with press as it does not sell papers and cannot not with fanatics) is an even keel. Do not get too high with wins or too low with losses.

[Dayo]

I live down here on Long Island where the Islanders are also in rebuild mode. That said, I see NO light at the end of the tunnel for the team here. They are just awfull and it will be years before we can ice a decent team. At least it seems the Leafs have a bit more life and can build around Schenn going forward. We're stuck with an injury-prone goalie with a 15-year contract to build out from. Tell your buddy Mike Milbury up there thanks for nothing!