Leafs Look to Stay Perfect; Head to New York City to Face the Rangers
It happens at the start of every hockey season: I'm asked who will be a surprise team, and when I give my answer, I'm mocked by my comrades. This year was no different as I said the Toronto Maple Leafs will be a force in the East, and I was laughed at.
My prediction was based on the size and grit of the Leafs as well as the goaltending. General Manager and former Providence College alum, Brian Burke has put together a team with skill and size.
Only four players on their roster are under 6'0 tall (3 forwards and 1 defenceman). Players like Mike Komisarek and Dion Phaneuf on the blueline will make it miserable for forwards in front of the net, and have the ability to scores goals on the powerplay. 
(Leafs D-man Dion Phaneuf will look to lead them over a win in New York Tonight)
The goaltending tandem of J.S. Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson (The Monster) is one of the best tandems in the league. Regardless of who's in net, the Leafs have a chance to win on any given night. Standing at 6'1" and 6'3" respectively, if nothing else they will take up a lot of net. If there is one thing you can't teach, it's size.
So, who's laughing now? Not me, but I'm sure some Leaf fans are. The 3-0 leafs head down to Madison Square Garden to face original six rival, the New York Rangers.
The 1-1 Rangers will be looking to avenge an embarrassing 6-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Monday. Can the Leafs go 4-0 and remain unbeaten, marking one of their best starts in recent years?
Personally, I think tonight the Rangers will squeak out a victory on the back of Henrik Lundqvuist, but don't be surprised to see the Leafs playing late into the summer.
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