Training camp be gone!

Just a few short days out of training camp and some teams, it could be said, are already starting some trends. Some continuing good ones from last year, and some, developing disturbing ones in this rudimentary part of the season.

In terms of who we trust to do what, when and how; many players have built up credibility and thus, we put very little credence into what might have happened in the pre-season, let alone camp. A few early season losses and shabby preformances will do little to dull our enthusiasm and faith in their abilities.

Roberto Luongo and Chris Osgood would, to most pundits, fall into that category.

As well as certain teams and their overall preformance, ie., Detroit, Vancouver and Anaheim; come to mind.

Because of their track record, we tend to put very little credence into what goes on in training camp and instead focus on what lies ahead, mainly the 82 game marathon. Makes sense.

But what about the team and it's players who haven't made the playoffs, and haven't built up credibility over the last 4 years, sans playoff appearences?

One might argue that almost every player in one of those camps would, should or could be fighting for his job daily? After all, we're not talking about the Crosby's, Ovechkin's or Datsyuk's here? Those superstars and many others are expected to use training camp to "sharpen" up, possibly get in game shape...certainly not worry about their jobs!

Those cliches that everyone's job is on the line, and we're starting over, are for the perenial losers, the doormats, the teams that year after year have been on the outside looking in at the playoff dance.

Now let's take a look at Maple Leafs training camp. Not our subjective point of view from the outside looking in...but let's say, from an insiders viewpoint, up close and personal if you will.

Coach Ron Wilson a week removed from camp said, "A few guys made this team based on what they did last year, not on how they preformed this year in camp."

What they did last year???