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Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo

That's the question facing the Maple Leafs as they arrive in New Jersey to play the Devils in their first game of November (7:30 p.m., TSN). It sounds like Marty Brodeur will be back between the pipes for the Devils, while we await Ron Wilson's decision on James Reimer after the morning skate.

As pointed out by our Leafs beat reporter James Mirtle, the Leafs' 7-3-1 October is the franchise's best opening month in 12 years. That's pretty heady stuff when the team hasn't been to the playoffs in forever. Obviously, there's a long way to go, but cautious optimism has to feel a whole lot better than anger and despair for Leaf Nation.

David Shoalts is on site for tonight's game. Expect a file from him later. Until then, the links:

Language alert: Alex Ovechkin is the big thing on the internet this morning for this great moment in coach-player relations.

Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox on if you should believe the Leafs are for real.

Up comes Joey Crabb, down goes Matt Frattin

National Post reporter Michael Traikos spoke to Frattin just before he got the news.

This post from Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories ponders how long it has been since the Leafs had a player that other teams feared. Hint: the picture on the entry is of Gordie Howe and Johnny Bower.

A nice October review from Jeff Veillette at LeafsHQ.

Same deal, but this one is for the Marlies.

In case you missed it, the Mats Sundin video tribute on Saturday night.



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