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For a coaching staff that prides itself on outworking their opponents, the Ottawa Senators players sure didn't receive the message tonight! Toronto outshot, outchanced and outscored Ottawa enroute to a 4-0 win over the Sens. Maybe I should add, the Leafs dominated all night long! I know everyone is going to say it's just a pre-season game but when DJ Smith can only mention one player that he noticed all game long in his post-game press conference, that being Parker Kelly, any fan watching this game has to wonder how some players failed to seize the opportunity.
One has to wonder if Erik Brannstrom will start the year in Ottawa as his defensive deficiencies continue to be a problem. Many fans were hopeful he would progress in this area but nothing has changed from last season. Lassi Thomson struggled tonight, he had the least amount of ice-time on the blueline but didn't get much from his defense partner. It will be nice to see Jacob Bernard-Docker get some pre-season action to see where he's at after what everyone says was a great off-season for him.
Up front, many of the veterans struggled with Chris Tierney and Colin White looking slow at times, while not being engaged. White was awful in the faceoff circle(5 for 15, 33%) and Tierney seemed to lose every battle for loose pucks, constantly chasing Leafs players most of the night.
Connor Brown and Nick Paul were solid and tried to be lead by example, but when your blueline is constantly caught of position while having horrible gap control, it made it a long night for both Sens goaltenders.
Special teams were a huge factor tonight too with Toronto going 3 for 8 on the PP, while killing off all 5 Sens power play opportunities. The Leafs controlled the play and should get full credit for the win as their youngsters came to play with so many of the Leafs veterans out of the line-up tonight. Their top 4 forwards and top 4 defensemen were all left back in Toronto.
Clark Bishop left the game early with a lower body injury and he looked to be in a lot of discomfort.
Ottawa will now prepare for a home and home series with Montreal that will begin here on Friday night. I would be stunned if Matt Murray doesn't get the start at home and it would be nice to see him play a full game, much like Petr Mrazek did for the Leafs tonight.
Short blog for an uneventful night at the CTC, I wish there was more to say!
Thanks for reading.
Kevin