Winless club will try to right listing ship with a victory over defending champions
Under the tutelage of GM Brian Burke, the Maple Leafs have instilled a new culture of commitment and accountability this season, one where work ethic means everything.
For instance, the Leafs initiated a rule from the start of training camp requiring players to be at the rink no later than one hour, 15 minutes prior to practice.
It's the first rule of its kind in Toronto in recent memory.
But despite the newfound emphasis on hard work and accountability, the club is off to an 0-3 start and the players agree their on-ice work habits have been lacking in two of the three games.
With the Leafs hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins Saturday night, there is not only the obvious need for a win, but also a strong effort for the entire 60 minutes to ensure the team isn't blown off the ice the way they were last Saturday in Washington.
Veteran forward Lee Stempniak is one Leaf who spent the offseason buying into the team's new philosophy.
"He's one of those guys who's in here (practice facility) early. He's like a lot of guys ? he's looking for an edge," Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek said.
Stempniak, based on his own disatisfaction with a sub-par season last year, hit the gym just two weeks after playing for the U.S. at the world championships last April.
He teamed up with trainer and skating guru Paul Vincent, who has worked closely with Leafs skating coach Graeme Townshend in the past.
"I worked with Paul in my first year out of college hockey, I feel like he knows my game," said Stempniak, who also played summer hockey in a Boston-area league featuring NHLers and collegians.
Stempniak went into the summer break following a season-ending meeting with Burke. Stempniak had scored 27 goals with St. Louis in 2007-08 and knew what to expect from Burke after failing to meet those standards in his first year in Toronto.
"It wasn't overly negative, it was one of those things where (Burke) said what I already knew," Stempniak said.
"They expect more out of me. I had a good year two years ago and I haven't been there lately."
Stempniak earned praise from Leafs coach Ron Wilson early in training camp as one of the most improved players physically.
Collectively, though, the Leafs have yet to show any dividends from the off-season culture change and emphasis on conditioning.
Playing host to the Penguins is a golden opportunity for the Leafs to build confidence and rid themselves of the negativity that has surrounded them so far this season.
"We have to have our best game to beat a team like Pittsburgh," Stempniak said.
"I know I want to play against the best in the game. Crosby, Malkin ? you want to face those guys."
Under the tutelage of GM Brian Burke, the Maple Leafs have instilled a new culture of commitment and accountability this season, one where work ethic means everything.
For instance, the Leafs initiated a rule from the start of training camp requiring players to be at the rink no later than one hour, 15 minutes prior to practice.
It's the first rule of its kind in Toronto in recent memory.
But despite the newfound emphasis on hard work and accountability, the club is off to an 0-3 start and the players agree their on-ice work habits have been lacking in two of the three games.
With the Leafs hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins Saturday night, there is not only the obvious need for a win, but also a strong effort for the entire 60 minutes to ensure the team isn't blown off the ice the way they were last Saturday in Washington.
Veteran forward Lee Stempniak is one Leaf who spent the offseason buying into the team's new philosophy.
"He's one of those guys who's in here (practice facility) early. He's like a lot of guys ? he's looking for an edge," Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek said.
Stempniak, based on his own disatisfaction with a sub-par season last year, hit the gym just two weeks after playing for the U.S. at the world championships last April.
He teamed up with trainer and skating guru Paul Vincent, who has worked closely with Leafs skating coach Graeme Townshend in the past.
"I worked with Paul in my first year out of college hockey, I feel like he knows my game," said Stempniak, who also played summer hockey in a Boston-area league featuring NHLers and collegians.
Stempniak went into the summer break following a season-ending meeting with Burke. Stempniak had scored 27 goals with St. Louis in 2007-08 and knew what to expect from Burke after failing to meet those standards in his first year in Toronto.
"It wasn't overly negative, it was one of those things where (Burke) said what I already knew," Stempniak said.
"They expect more out of me. I had a good year two years ago and I haven't been there lately."
Stempniak earned praise from Leafs coach Ron Wilson early in training camp as one of the most improved players physically.
Collectively, though, the Leafs have yet to show any dividends from the off-season culture change and emphasis on conditioning.
Playing host to the Penguins is a golden opportunity for the Leafs to build confidence and rid themselves of the negativity that has surrounded them so far this season.
"We have to have our best game to beat a team like Pittsburgh," Stempniak said.
"I know I want to play against the best in the game. Crosby, Malkin ? you want to face those guys."
