When Toronto won the first overall pick, vast majority of Maple Leafs fans knew one thing was coming, Auston Matthews. Sure there was maybe one percent who got caught up in the Laine hype, but that’s all it was, hype.

Matthews is the sure shot; he’s the full package, and he plays center. The Leafs missing void since the Sundin era is finally filled and I feel confident in saying that after just a small sample of two games in the National Hockey League for number 34.

Toronto is coming off a big win against Boston in their home opener and will hope to continue their winning ways against a Jets team that has won one and lost two, but have allowed a concerning twelve goals in just three games. If the Leafs can tickle the twine four times, I can’t see them losing this game.

Andersen was stellar in his debut at the Air Canada Centre and has already been confirmed as today’s starter in Winnipeg. He’s a big boy and after a shortened pre-season we can expect excellent outings from the net minder for majority of his starts.

Dare I say Anaheim may have given up the wrong goalie? It’s too early to say, but with Randy Carlyle behind the bench for the Ducks, they are 0-3 out the gates and Gibson has a .885 save% with a 3.07 goals against average. Randy may be packing his bags by Christmas if this trend continues for the quackers.

Winnipeg has had an influx of young talent filling up their left wing position. Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor are the young upcoming stars of the Jets, but their combination on the first line of Scheifele and Wheeler are the dynamic duo to look out for. Wheeler especially, who is coming off a career best 78 points in 82 games, he will be one to shadow for the Maple Leafs defenders.

We’re just a couple games into the season, but have five different Leafs players who are a point-per-game or better. Of course Matthews’ four goal game leaves him at the top of the food chain, he’s also sporting a +3 rating.

Heading into the season there were five players who I really hoped got off to a good start, including Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Brown and Frederik Andersen.

Matthews: 4 goals
Marner: 1 goal
Nylander: 2 assists
Brown: 1 goal
Andersen: 3 of 4 total points

It’s important for rookies and newcomers to get off to good starts. It helps settle them in, gets the monkey off the back and lets them concentrate on their game and the team moving forward. It’s especially important for Andersen to get his confidence up playing for a new team and officially being the number one. That’s a lot for any goalie in any market, but especially Toronto and with the goaltending issues we have had over the years.

We all knew Matt Martin would come in and bash some bodies around and ensure the safety of the young Maple Leafs. He’s done just that and if he continues his five smashing hits a game with a scrap here and there, that’s perfect. I’m sure he will chip in some offense here and there and who knows, by seasons end he and Leo Komarov may be the demolition cleanup crew on the third/fourth line. Who in their right mind would want to chase a puck in the corner with one of those war animals screaming down the ice looking to crunch them into the boards, nobody I know!

It feels like a long time since the last Leafs game, that’s when you know the excitement level of this new Leafs team is starting to kick in. Toronto will take on Winnipeg tonight and then will be right back at it again tomorrow night against Minnesota Wild, and Enroth will be starting in that game.

Kadri has been held off the scoreboard after game games other than a five minute fighting penalty. He needs to start getting the puck on net and should have no problem doing so if he continues to win 68% of the draws as he has been doing so far.

If the Leafs can get three lines that are a threat to the opposition, it could be quite a successful campaign for Mike Babcock and his Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thanks for reading, enjoy tonight’s game(s).

Go Leafs! Go Jays!

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