The Toronto Maple Leafs get great games from Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson

The Toronto Maple Leafs played their third game of the 2024-25 NHL Pre-Season on Thursday night, winning 2-1 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lose their first two games, to the Ottawa Senators, but luckily no one cares who wins or loses in the pre-season.

It's all about who plays, how much ice-time they get, how they perform and who they play with.

Tonight saw the Leafs dress a mostly NHL lineup, althoug Auston Matthews did not play, and William Nylander was injured early, although both injuries are likely precautionary and not too serious. (all stats naturalstattrick.com).

The Toronto Maple Leafs get great games from Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson

The Leafs got a power-play goal from John Tavares, and a beautiful 5v5 goal from Nick Robertson.

Playing mostly with Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann, Robertson had a strong game. Not only did he score, but he played 14 minutes of 5v5 hockey where the Leafs and Habs split puck-possession, but the Leafs won shots 7-3. Robertson finished the game with a very impressive 65% xGoals rating.

Playing on a totally dominant line with Marner and Domi, Easton Cowan also had a very strong game. Cowan played 13 minutes and led the team with three shots. He looked fast, strong, and dynamic. He plays a very aggressive, hard working game and is often noticable on the ice.

With Cowan on the ice, the Leafs completely destroyed Montreal, posting a Corsi rating of 59% and an xGoals rating of 77%.

Watching Robertson and Cowan play last night, it seemed insane that there is even a question that these guys might not make the team. Both of them are better than either Bobby McMann or Max Pacioretty, and that should be the end of it.

Pacioretty had one shot, wasn't noticable at all, and the Habs destroyed the Leafs when he was on the ice. He finished the game with a 38% xGoals rating.

It is clear beyond a shadow of doubt that the Toronto Maple Leafs need both Robertson and Cowan on their roster. You add those two to Max Domi, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner and this team is going to be incredible.

Why they would block either of these player's ice-time and development with Max Pacioretty is beyond me. This was a bad call when it was announced, and it looks ridiculous now.

As far as I'm concerend, Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson should have made the team last night with their excellent performances.