More of the same

In years past, those of us who live and die by the puck in TO could easily use the phrase 'more of the same' to describe tonight's skirmish.

More of the same old Leafs playing a half decent game and following it up with a 3-2 uninspired loss to the Stanley Cup finalist, Pittsburgh Penguins.

More of the same usual suspects pointing fingers indicate in their best playground voice, "I told you so".

More of the same Leafs. Perennial losers. Except for '74-'79, '85-'87, '92-'94 and 99-2004. Perennial losers but only half the time. I always find it fascinating that Leaf haters contend the Leafs have sucked forever, but I digress.

Tonight was different a sort of 'more of the same'. Tonight was more of the same hard nosed, defensive style play we saw on Monday night.

Let's be completely honest, those first 2 goals we're hardly what you would call good goals. Two attempted cross crease passes deflected into the net by a incorrectly angled skate by a sophomore defenseman and another who has about as much chance of cracking the Leafs top 6 defenseman as Kerry Fraser does seeing a high stick infraction by a superstar player.

There is much to be learned still from the prophet Ron Wilson on the proper use of the 1-2-2 trap and how not to take a stupid penalty. Yet there was more of the same hustle, defensive minded play, and quick sharp passes.

In particular, the grittiness and tenacity that Hagman, Kulemin and Grabovski showed tonight was special. One glaring give away notwithstanding, Mikhail Grabovski played a great game. On more than several occasion did his hard fore check and relentless puck carrier pressure create turnovers and chances.

Kulemin wasn't as his greatest, but he put on a great display of what he's capable of on a 4 on 4 in the 3rd period. Hagman hustled, created a few turnovers and was a genuine defensive player for much of the night.

Jason Blake has looked like a completely different player than last season. Hustle, hard work, and his in your face style of play looks totally rejuventated.

I can't get too carried away here since there was still far too many penalties taken. That absolutely has to be corrected or this is going to be an awfully difficult year to watch.

Tonight displayed more of the same. But it wasn't the typical more of the same. It was a repeat of Monday's changed hockey team. Finally, it appears that the Leafs are headed in the proper direction.