Through 10

A huge shout out to the Leafs keepers. Mainly JS, but certainly Jonas should be included in any lauding of the effort so far. It's been stingy.

23 goals against through 10 games. It's a post-lockout low.

We're into season 6 after the shake up, and only once before have the Leafs surrendered so few goals over the first 10 games. Leafs goalies were beaten just 26 times to open the 2006/2007 campaign. Things are finally again looking less for the Leafs.

Unfortunately the shooters have found inspiration in this squeeze on production. And while the G & G combo has yet to put up a goose egg on the Blue & White's behalf, the offense has been willing to pick up 'the lack', shutout twice, back to back. Shit.

Since the lockout
Leafs goals against through the first 10 games

2005 - 32
2006 - 26
2007 - 42
2008 - 33
2009 - 39
2010 - 23

It's a good bet that the Leafs' new found defensive prowess is for real. Say what you will about the defenders inability to chip in on the power play, etc. it's still a deep unit. And with young Luke Schenn appearing to come into his own as that "shutdown" guy we all hoped he would be, unless there's a serious relapse behind the blueline we should expect more of the same. The keepers have reason to continue on their merry way as well. One is out to prove he should stay. The other, out to prove he belongs. It's a nice, tidy little recipe for keeping pucks out of Toronto's net.

What's it all worth?

We no longer have to imagine Leafs' goaltending not costing the team games. It's a refreshing change. We wait now to discover if it can positively impact what matters most: wins and losses. So far, it's been split right down the middle. Yes, better than before. But no, still not good enough for what lies ahead.

In a place where there's usually always an issue, scoring-gone-cold has become the hot topic. Out of respect for the back-end it's up to management to improve things upfront. Because it's hard to believe the group in place is capable of doing that.