Off to a strong start

His team - one that doesn't have any offensive stars - had just scored a shocking seven goals in its pre-season opener and the first thing Ron Wilson wanted to talk about was how the Maple Leafs blocked shots.

Thirty-one shots failed to make it from a Buffalo Sabres' stick to the Maple Leafs' net and the coach couldn't help but grin.

"The number of shots we blocked tonight was very high," said Wilson after the 7-4 win. "It's a sign they're listening. They're paying attention."

Wilson's defence-first mantra that also calls for making quick passes, an aggressive forecheck and relentless backchecking, was the reason the 20 men who lined up in blue and white last night made such a favourable first impression with their new coach.

"We saw some things we really liked and we saw some things we have to work on," said Wilson. "It's a start. We really only had two practices and filled their heads with a lot of garbage. They did a pretty good job."

One play in particular speaks volumes for this new philosophy. A re-invigorated Jason Blake - who picked up a goal and an assist and played the part of forechecking pest - was killing a penalty in the second period.

Blake blocked a shot at the Leaf blue line. The puck bounced to defenceman Ian White, who launched a quick pass to Robbie Earl, who had just stepped out of the box. The speedy Earl breezed in alone, and wristed a shot past Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth.

"That's what the coach has been talking about, that there's really no shortcuts," said Blake. "You've got to block shots, have good defensive-zone coverage.

"We're going to have a fast team this year. If you do the little things, the offence is going to come with your speed. That was just one of those lucky plays, but we'll take it."

There was a lot to like with how the Leafs played last night.

Jeff Finger, the free-agent defenceman few had heard of, led the team with four blocked shots.

"That's what matters in this game," said Finger. "You do the simple things right, you're going to win."

Finger's playing partner, first-round draft pick Luke Schenn, looked at home, taking a regular shift and killing penalties. The 18-year-old said he was a bit nervous.

"It's an adjustment coming from junior hockey, playing against 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to playing against men," said Schenn. "It's more the puck movement. As soon as someone's got the puck, it's off their tape pretty quick."

Centre Dominic Moore scored twice, with both goals the result of his dynamic speed.

Winger Ryan Hollweg stirred things up, leading the team with five hits and throwing in a fight for good measure.

"Holly provides a lot of energy," said Moore, Hollweg's teammate in New York last year. "He's a shot in the arm for a team."

Justin Pogge stopped 15 shots in the second period but let in three goals in the third.

Carlo Colaiacovo had a goal and an assist and showed some offensive flair from the blue line.

Jiri Tlusty, Matt Stajan and Boyd Devereaux also scored for the Leafs, who, on the downside, allowed three power-play goals and took too many undisciplined penalties.