New Day, New Month

The Leafs come off a 3-0 shutout loss to Buffalo last night. That game ended the month of November and snapped the Leafs 2 game winning "streak" (if you can call it a streak). Although the month ended on a low note, the month ended better than the month of October. The Leafs record for November is 5-5-3 (13 points), compared to October when it was 1-7-4 (6 points). Their Goals for Average in November was 2.85, that could be improved, however that is up from 2.67 in October, essentially though, that is only 2 more goals scored. However with Hagman and Kessel tearing it up right now, that number could go up past 3.00. A MAJOR improvement in November (other than winning more than one game) was their Goals Against Average, in October it was 4.08, however, in November it was 3.15. That, is around 10 less goals scored.

Now, let's face it, barring a complete meltdown from the whole Eastern Conference, the chances of the Leafs making the playoffs are slim to none. However, they are on the right track for being better in the future (disregarding the fact they traded away their next two first rounders). Hagman and Kessel have been doing an excellent job on a team that lacks offense. Despite missing the month of October, Kessel is on pace to have a 40-goal season for the first time in his career. Keep in mind that we are still only a quarter way through the season though.

Also, the Leafs are only on pace to finish the season 20-39-13 (53 points). Remember, these is a long process, fixing the Leafs up. Especially the state they are in now. But it looks like things are coming together, defensemen are getting better, goalies are making saves, this is a good sign. Burkie wants his team to be playing .500 hockey by Christmas, that is very possible, but for the remainder of the week, the Leafs have tough opponents (Montreal, Columbus, and Boston). Two of the three remaining are against divisional rivals, which Leafs have struggled against, not winning a single game against a divisional opponent yet. That's key if Toronto really wants to try gunning for the playoffs. Until next time folks!

Nicholas Porretta