Maple Leafs Look for Revenge Against the Detroit Red Wings in Toronto

Thoughts On Last Night

A pretty decent game overall.  The Maple Leafs started out slow, but picked up the pace.  Even though it's only preseason, the Maple Leafs matched the Wings stride for stride in the second and third period of the game.

I have said this before, and after last night I think it's all but confirmed.  Games like the one we had last night will be the type of thing we will see all season long—lots of effort, but no results.  At least not on the scoreboard.

I truly believe this will be a Leafs team that will work hard every game for a full sixty.  Their defence and forechecking are going to keep them close in most games, as it has through the preseason, but their lack of goal scoring may hurt them big time as the season goes on.

As for last night's personnel, I can't say enough about Ian White.  Moved to forward, White was fantastic for the Maple Leafs, and created a lot of chances for his team.

Ron Wilson insists that White will not become a full-time forward, although he is again dressing in the forward position tonight for the Leafs.

It was also great to see the shot blocking going on by the Leafs last night.  There was a real commitment from both forwards and defense to making themselves big, and getting in the lanes.

Tonight's Game

The Leafs and Wings are back at it tonight in the second half of their home-and-home at the Air Canada Centre.

No word on full lineups for either team, but as stated earlier, the Maple Leafs will dress Ian White as a forward for the second straight night.  Curtis Joseph will also get the start in net, looking to rebound from a dismal effort in St. Louis on Wednesday night.

As for Detroit, not  a lot of details are available, but there is word that both Marian Hossa and Pavel Datsyuk will dress.