Let me first say I'm delighted to see the major changes to the Leafs especially seeing the beloved Gilmour back to where he belongs. Having said that, I am a little concerned about all the hoopla. I find it kind of amusing the media is comparing his last harrah to Lanny McDonald with the Flames, how the players want to bring a Cup to cap off Gilmour's career. First of, Gilmour has already won a Cup(with Lanny no less) whereas it was McDonlad's first and last. So when the media says it's Gilmour's last chance, I think they're stretching it a bit.
I'm also more concerned the players might be riding the sentiments and emotions too much that it could be a distraction. I know the players/coaches are saying the right thing - how he's not the same as he used to be and he's only going to play between 10 to 14 min a game. Are you kidding me? I can be certain he'll play more than that especiallly in the playoffs where they'll shorten the bench to 3 lines and Gilmour will get his minutes...since it is his last year. Funny nobody even talks about Owen Nolan lately.
In closing, I definitely like the Leafs' chances a lot more than before the trades, but I just hope they don't lose their focus from the hype, expectations...that it still takes a lot of hard work to win.
I'm also more concerned the players might be riding the sentiments and emotions too much that it could be a distraction. I know the players/coaches are saying the right thing - how he's not the same as he used to be and he's only going to play between 10 to 14 min a game. Are you kidding me? I can be certain he'll play more than that especiallly in the playoffs where they'll shorten the bench to 3 lines and Gilmour will get his minutes...since it is his last year. Funny nobody even talks about Owen Nolan lately.
In closing, I definitely like the Leafs' chances a lot more than before the trades, but I just hope they don't lose their focus from the hype, expectations...that it still takes a lot of hard work to win.
