Leafs on the way to recovery

Ronald Neal
Contributor
At the risk of sounding clichéd, what a difference a week can make.
Seemingly down and out and with little hope from the faithful, the Leafs have managed to put together a fairly successful run, including a thrilling come-from-behind effort against the Nashville Predators in which a slumbering offence made good with four power-play goals.
It started with the game against the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 14, a team that’s been riding a plucky pair of Swedish twins and one of the best goaltenders in the world to near-regular season perfection. No one would have faulted the Leafs for rolling over and dying – in fact, it was what most of us expected.
But the Leafs didn’t. Defying the odds, they fought and battled to, yes, a 5-3 loss, but it was a potential season changing loss.
I’ve been arguing the biggest issue facing the team has been their mental game – or, rather, the mind games they’ve been going through on a nightly basis. That game against the Canucks, although it’s too early to tell, was a sign this team may have what it takes to roll with this city and compete in this league. More importantly, it was a signal to every man in that dressing room that they can win and, even more importantly, that they can trust each other and play as a team.
So even in defeat they seemed to have turned a corner. Admittedly, the size of that corner is still unknown, but at least we can appreciate this positive turn of events for what it is. Take Saturday night’s setback against les Habitants. Though they were frustrated on the scoreboard, they played admirably and with a poise not seen since October. Special props in particular belong to Jonas Gustavsson, who made several spectacular saves despite the fact injured starter Jean-Sebastian Giguere had been replaced by James Reimer.
But, upon reflection, maybe it wasn’t just a week’s time that has made all the difference in Leafs’ Land. Maybe there’s just one man to thank for this change.
As a prelude to the game against the Canucks, it was announced Nazem Kadri would finally get his chance to play with the team he has grown up cheering for. Drafted seventh overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft, there’s no mistaking the fact this man represents the future of the Maple Leafs, and so far he has not disappointed.
Finding a home early on the top line with Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak, Kadri has shown flashes of brilliance and has been instrumental in reviving a once dormant offence since he’s been called up. He has arguably been the blast of fresh air that was so desperately needed; not only a gifted forward, but a simple shock to the system for a team that was on life support.
Sometimes that is all it takes to turn a season around.
What cannot be forgotten in all this hoopla, though, is the fact the decision to call up Kadri runs contrary to team policy. Brian Burke has repeatedly gone on record to say Kadri will play in the minors and, despite the demands of Leaf fans, will not be called up until he is ready. Why, then, was he summoned, seemingly ahead of schedule, against a powerhouse like the Canucks? Some feel that despite the positive turn and subsequent hope this has fashioned, it is a reflection of how troubled the team truly is and that we are still far from where we want to be.