The Leaf Blueprint Episode 2: Building the, uh, foundation

Metaphors fly fast and furious as this next bit of Leafs franchise building lays out its story arc.

I knew this would be a tough episode to watch. The production team had to cover a bunch of early-season losses, including that one painful 4-0 shutout to the Red Wings in game 2, and to the Phil Kessels of Pittsburgh twice. This episode did not shirk the hard work, however.

The episode starts on October 7, opening night. Disembodied Voice Guy (hi Kyle Dubas is that you) talks about Lou and his desire to make a "culture of winning," and how he taught a young Devils team (closeup of Shanahan's jersey) the hard work that is necessary for being a winning team. Lou says the word culture is "overused…