Lindros and Allison have the chance to step up and shine

Sure it’s only one game into the season, but if Sundin is out for October, then this is the perfect time for Lindros and show us that still is a dominant force in the NHL. Also, Allison has to show that he still has it. With Sundin out, it puts these two oft-injured pivots in the number 1 and 2 positions.

One game into the season and the injury bug has already taken a bite out of the Maple Leafs top line, as both Mats Sundin and Jeff O'Neill received some bad news on Thursday.

TORONTO (CP) -- Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin has a fractured lower orbital bone and could be out four-to-six weeks after taking a puck in the face in Wednesday's season opener, the NHL team said Thursday.

Sundin lasted just seven minutes of the 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators when he was hit in the face by the puck.

Sundin, who was not at practice Thursday, has an unfortunate track record with face injuries, suffering both cuts and dental damage in past incidents.

Sundin's injury was not the only bad news the Leafs received during Thursday's morning skate, newcomer Jeff O'Neill injured his shoulder in the third period of the loss to Ottawa when he fell into netminder Dominik Hasek. The extent of the injury is not known at this time but the Leafs' forward is questionable for Friday's skate.