The Maple Leafs are playing superb hockey right now. They were by far the faster, more skilled team on the ice tonight in Beantown. The Leafs have won seven games in a row for the first time in a decade and have extended their lead atop the Northeast Division to 3 points. It's a treat watching this squad compete these days.
What's going right for the blue and white? Our forwards are all playing extremely well, despite the absence of Alexander Mogilny. Owen Nolan was the best player on the ice and Joe Nieuwendyk and Darcy Tucker had strong games as well. Heck, even guys like Harold Druken and Alexei Ponikarovsky are pitching in.
Our defense is playing sound, smart hockey. This winning streak is due in large part to the efforts of our blueliners. Karel Pilar has really stepped in while everyone else from Tomas Kaberle to Brian McCabe to Ken Klee has stepped it up a notch.
Our penalty killing has been dominant while our power play simultaneously began to click. There were three power play goals for Toronto tonight and not a single power play goal allowed. Special teams are more important than ever in this tight checking era and the Leafs have been capitalizing on both accounts.
Eddie Belfour has been great. He stopped 25 shots tonight for his second shutout of the season. He's making the big saves when the Leafs need them and he's been a huge factor during this streak. Off nights for Eddie are few and far between.
When you add up excellent play from your forwards, defensemen, special teams and goaltender you get a pretty good result. The Leafs go for eight in row Saturday night against the Red Wings. I'm feelin' pretty good about it.
Current Record Last GameSeason Leaders14-6-5-2
35 points6-0 Win vs. BostonM. Sundin - 25
O. Nolan - 20
B. McCabe - 15
