The Toronto Maple Leafs played their second pre-season game last night versus the Buffalo Sabres. It was a brotherly battle as both William Nylander and Alexander Nylander faced each other for the first time at the NHL level. It may have only been pre-season but both players were noticeable and each had good scoring chances throughout the game. Both brothers got an opportunity to score in the shootout, but it was ultimately decided by a goal from Buffalo’s Matt Moulson.

Leafs William Nylander was on a line with Matt Martin and Zach Hyman. That line really stood out to me as Nylander is the player who’s most skilled with the puck, Martin’s fore check has the defensemen looking over their shoulders and Hyman was digging deep for the puck, looking hungry for a roster spot. Willy just about tucked in a back hander with just over 2 minutes left in the third, but at the end of the day the Leafs couldn’t beat Nilsson.

Nylander also stated that he enjoyed having a “big brother” on his line in Martin, saying that “he’s a big guy who opens a lot of room.” I really do feel that Babcock is going to give Matt Martin more ice time than he’s had in the past, a possible line three and line four split pending what team the Leafs are playing.

Is anyone still wondering who this Kasimir Kaskisuo is?

Well, he’s certainly looking pretty decent out there. I’d even say he’s giving Bibeau a run for his money as the Marlies back-up goalie. Sparks still looks quite solid, and could be an NHL goalie down the road; odds are just a back-up. With Andersen prepping to win the heart of Leafs Nation with his goaltending, Sparks will slide in nicely if Toronto decides to let Enroth walk after his one year deal is complete.

In last night’s pre-season game, Sparks had 17 saves and Kaskisuo had 21.

Kerby Rychel had a quick pre-season debut in his first game against Ottawa as he pummelled Andreas England. In last night’s game Kerby was on a line with Kadri and just about tucked one in behind Anders Nilsson. I’m really liking Kerby’s overall game and I think with Babcock working with him for a bit we could see a very valuable forward, similar to Komarov’s game. I love a feisty player who isn’t afraid to go into the dirty areas and mix it up. The Leafs need players who are highly offensive like Marner and Nylander, but also need a player who will win a battle and get them the puck, even if that means they take a nasty hit to make the play happen. That’s how you win games, hard work, sacrifice (of the body), determination and of course a couple bounces that go you r way.

Rychel just needs some time to adjust, and I feel he’s winning some friendships and trust from his teammates and management just two pre-season games in. Certainly trending upwards, good on you Kerby!

Babcock will likely join the Maple Leafs today, but I can’t confirm that as he may have had a few beverages last night, celebrating Canada’s victory in the World Cup. Is there anything Babcock hasn’t won!? What a legendary coach.

It’s going to be a thing of beauty when Babcock leads the Leafs to the promise land. So what’s in store for tonight?

Matthews and Marner in Buffalo vs Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres.

Both Matthews and Eichel were on the North American team at the World Cup and joined their respected clubs for training camp/pre-season later than most of their teammates. After a few days off and a couple practices with their teams, they are both making their pre-season debut tonight.

Matthews already made a media splash at practice when he one-timed a pass from Marner and shattered the glass. Only in Toronto would that make the news! You got to love it! Matthews is quickly getting a taste of how big hockey is in Toronto, Canada and how aggressive the medias microscope can be.

Hopefully Matthews told the glass repairman to toss it on Lupul’s tab.

Maple Leafs backup goaltender Enroth played for the Sabres for four plus seasons when he joined the NHL. He will be getting the start tonight as the Sabres host the Leafs.

Since Babcock has been away for the start of training camp, assistant coach Jim Hiller has been running the day to day operations. He’s very happy with how the players have come into camp this year, almost as if the compete level is carrying over from last season. Babcock is a coach who is determined to get the best out of each of his players, so work ethic is very important. The ever so important culture change is starting to come into effect.

Thanks for reading, have a good weekend and enjoy tonight’s game!

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