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Toronto Maple Leafs Win the Wrong Game (but Still Won)

By James Tanner

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 03: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on March 03, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 03: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on March 03, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off the 2021-22 NHL season in style last night, defeating the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 4-1.

Unfortunately, it was a pre-season game and the victory was hollow in comparison to what happened last spring when the Montreal Canadiens pulled  out one of the least deserved, luckiest wins in NHL playoff history, and defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games.

The Habs went on an improbable run, but the Leafs are still the superior team in every way.

The Leafs enter the new season as a Cup Favorite, while the Habs will be lucky to make the playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs 4 Montreal Canadiens 1

The score in pre-season games doesn’t really matter, but it’s still nice to win. The most important thing last night was that  John Tavares played after missing all of last year’s playoffs.

There were also some fans in the building!  Overall, a pretty great night for the Leafs.

Tavaers played 16 minutes and had a goal on three shots.   I would have been more encouraged if Matthews played, but all things considered, I think Tavares being back and healthy is the most important thing for the team right now (stats from naturalstatrick.com).

Timothy Liljegren lead the team in ice-time and posted an incredible 73% shot-attempt percentage.  He’s always performed when given the chance, and I’d really like to see him finally make it.

Of note, William Nylander looked fantastic last night. He stood out all night, had two assists and I’d say he was the best player out there.

Michael Bunting played 14 minutes and the Leafs were dominant when he was on the ice, and he scored a goal, can’t beat that.

Josh Ho-Sang had a breakaway and looked good. I really hope that he makes the team because he’s got such an incredible amount of talent, and is really fun to watch.  It’s hard not to cheer for him.

Overall, it was fun to have hockey back.

Next. Leafs Euro Prospect Update. dark

The Toronto Maple Leafs training camp is intriguing this year, and I was really excited to get my first look at Bunting and Ho-Sang and to my mind they both impressed.

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