The Leafs were off to a dismal start not winning until their 9th game and since Kessel’s return, they are 2-0-1. Kessel had a goal(game winner) and an assist last night when they hosted the Detroit Red Wings giving the Leafs their first home win of the season. Kessel  also assisted on Jason Blake’s goal Friday night in their win at Carolina pushing The Canes to the cellar of the League.

Is Phil the answer to this team? I personally do not think it is but for the time being, they psychological presence is boosting the Leafs. Toronto line up is  thin on the dept chart and  they have major goaltender issues at the moment. There is rumors flying about the possible move of Vesa Toskala, yes again and I will talk about that in my next article.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally get back the player they have been anxiously waiting for. Phil Kessel is expected to return to the NHL tonight in different colors that Phil wore when he last skated. Tonight instead of Kessel wearing the  Black and Gold paired up with Marc Savard, #81 in his new blue and white threads will be skating with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake. The Leafs with only one win this season are still looking for their first at the Air Canada Center tonight when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning. The big question will be , is Phil worth the future that Toronto gave up for him?

Two more stars out

Philly’s Simone Gagne will miss the next 6-8 weeks to recover from surgery on his abdominal and groin muscles. The Flyers are already without the services of Danny Briere who pulled  a right leg muscle.

Capital’s superstar, Alex Ovechkin is listed week to week with an upper body injury that he suffered during a shoving match with Jackets Jason Chimera over the weekend. There is not any word on whether Ovechkin will play Wednesdays showdown in New Jersey against the Devils.

Win or loss, what are the odds?

The up and down  Boston Bruins will visit Detroit tonight to face the struggling Red Wings. If the Bruins follow their season formula, you can be the house on the B’s as this would be the scheduled win. Vegas doesn’t see it that way, favoring the Wings at home at -190 although the line has dropped to -160 since opening. Last year these two teams among the best in the league and with both of them hovering around .500 but for different reasons. The Bruins have Savard and Lucic to their line up due to injury and Detroit remains to have goaltender issues. It remains to be seen if either team will return to the success they had a year ago. The Bruins won the only meeting between these teams last year 4-1 at the Garden.