Apr 5, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle addresses the media in a post game media conference after a loss to the Winnipeg Jets at the Air Canada Centre. Winnipeg defeated Toronto 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
3 BIG QUESTIONS
1. Is there really a question about who is #1? James Reimer, bless his heart, continues to believe he actually has a shot at being the #1 or even a 1A netminder. As evidenced by the Leafs’ swoon in the absence of Jonathan Bernier at the end of the season, he simply cannot backstop the team to the same level that Bernier can and did last year.
2. Is Komarov a difference maker? – The Leafs seemed to dearly miss Komaraov more than anyone had thought they would when he left for the KHL last season. He was one of the more sought after players this summer and the Leafs paid pretty handsomely to bring him back to Toronto. The Leafs hope he can fill the same role he did before he left.
3. How much rope for Randy? – The “aw, shucks” schtick lasts only so long, and Randy Carlyle will be under the gun right from the start of the season. Anything less than a playoff position will not be acceptable, and if the Leafs fall out of contention early they could make him the first casualty of the season.