The Toronto Maple Leafs just could not start the year with two losses to the Ottawa Senators.
It doesn’t matter how bad the refs were in the first game (they were incompetent) or how great Anton Forsberg was (he almost earned the Hart and Vezina trophies in a single game) – the Toronto Maple Leafs are not allowed to lose to the Senators.
And so last night was a test for the team, and I’m glad to say they passed with flying colours.
The Leafs entered the game with a 1-1 record, and honestly, it could have easily been 0-2 (if Campbell didn’t hold the Leafs in through the first ten minutes of the MTL game) or 2-0 (If Anton Forsberg didn’t goalie them).
This speaks to the finicky nature of NHL results, and so we should be happy anytime the Leafs give themselves a shot to win the game – which they have done three straight times now.
Last night was probably their best game so far. With only 1 5v5 goal through the opening two nights (again, goalied) they scored three last night, while allowing zero.
Once again, Jack Campbell played great, justifying my use of a keeper spot on him in my hockey pool.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Senators
Before getting to the game, let’s revel in the good news:
Auston Matthews is wearing a regular blue jersey at Leafs practice today. Possible his season debut may come as early as tomorrow against New York.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) October 17, 2021
Not only will the Toronto Maple Leafs finally exit their strict diet of playing only Canadian teams tomorrow night, they will likely do it with their best player back in action.
Alex Kerfoot had his first two points of the season, looking excellent with William Nylander, who continues to be the best player on the team so far (not named Jack Campbell, at least).
The third member of that line, Michael Bunting, scored his first as a Leaf last night. Zach Hyman was able to make himself into a borderline star player through sheer hard work, and Bunting definitely gives you the same kind of vibes. They’re much different players, but what they have in common is that they are both extremely easy to cheer for.
If Michael Bunting doesn’t become a fan favorite in the tradition of Hyman and Tucker, then I’ll eat my hat.
John Tavares had himself a game, but couldn’t get rewarded for it. He had two goals absolutely stolen from him by Forsberg (one a sick backhand, another a one-timer) and pretty much got the ghost hattrick when he missed a gimme into an empty net. (all stats naturalstattrick.com).
Remember this later if there’s a stupid “why can’t Tavares score anymore” narrative that develops. Overall, great game.
I love using Engvall on the power-play, he’s got more skill than people think. I didn’t get a good read on Timothy Liljegren last night. He was mostly paired with Muzzin who has been wonky all season so far, and they were the Leafs worst pairing, but then again, Muzzin also gets the toughest assignments, so its really hard to say.
Rasmus Sandin, however, has been awesome. Worth noting is that when he was switched to playing with Muzzin, Muzzin and him didn’t allow a single shot-attempt against, and it pushed Muzzin’s CF above 50% for the night.
I’m not saying it will happen, but if Rasmus Sandin was to become the Toronto Maple Leafs #1 defenseman by the end of this season, I would not be totally shocked.