The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Auston Matthews on the Injured Reserve ahead of last night's game against the Detroit Red Wings, whom they defeated 3-1.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a game, though I wouldn't venture to say whether it was a good one or a bad one. It was extremely boring, and for the second straight game they neither scored nor allowed a goal at 5v5.
Low-event hockey is good if your team stinks. If you have a bunch of the most talented players alive on your team, however, it's probably not the smartest way to play.
But hey - you can't fault the results and the power-play is now officially on fire with five goals in the last two games.
Last night's game was notable for one main reason: the insane play of goalie Anthony Stolarz. The Leafs seem to have struck pure gold with this off-season signing, though of course it's still early.
Additionally, it's worth pointing out that Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann had quite a good game, and even though their goal was waived off, their play has been a plus so far this year and they may in fact finally deliver the depth scoring this team has been desperate for for so long.
John Tavares is on Fire
The ex-Toronto Maple Leafs captain wasn't expected to do much in year seven of his seven year contract - and that was back when he signed it. Pretty much anything Tavares does this year is a bonus because expectations were very low.
However, they really shouldn't have been. It was clear last year that most of his problems were luck-related and not play-related.
Tavares has 13 points in 14 games, and has seven goals, which is a 40 goal pace. He also has a 56% Expected Goals rating. Tavares hasn't just been good, he's been an elite number-two centre who is worth every penny of his contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
The Leafs will play the Canadiens tonight. The Leafs destroyed the Canadiens in the first game of the season just over a month ago. Unfortunately, the Habs actually won that game due to an insane performance from their goalie and the Leafs bad shooting luck.
Tonight's game will likely be way different. The Leafs look to be heating up, the Habs stink, and the Leafs are extremely due for some 5v5 goals.
Connor Dewar could potentially make his season debut tonight, and of course Auston Matthews will still be out. I would expect Joseph Woll to start.