What a start to the season for the Maple Leafs as they put the Jets to shame in their home opener in Winnipeg on Wednesday night.
The final score was 7-2 but certainly could have been a different game if Andersen didn’t hold the fort in the first period. The Leafs were jailed for a number of different penalties and Freddy really stood tall and stretched out for a number of quality saves.
The Jets were certainly frustrated they couldn’t put one passed Andersen, especially when the Leafs scored on one of their first quality scoring opportunities. Kadri banged in the first goal of the years for the Buds and looks to be ready to build off last season which was a career year.
This Maple Leafs team sure is quick, not only that but they are looking to be a force on the special teams yet again. Both the power play and the penalty kill looked as solid as they can after one game. Toronto went 2/4 on the power play and a stunning 8/8 on the penalty kill. The Leafs had 31 shots on goal and gave up 37 shots, 18 of them were on the power play.
There is a lot of hustle, a lot of speed and a whole lot of skill on this Maple Leafs roster. The Leafs have three quality offensive lines and a bruising fourth line with Matt Martin leading the way, he had a whopping 6 hits to start the season. Perhaps the biggest hit for the Leafs on Wednesday was newcomer Andreas Borgman who laid a solid one on Mark Scheifele. It was a quality performance from Borgman who chipped in an assist and finished the night with a +2 rating.
Another defenseman to take note on was Nikita Zaitsev logging a team high 24:01. Zaitsev also had a team leading 8 blocks; he sure was an excellent find last off season.
It was a frenzy of offense for the Leafs as they chased Mason out of the net and wasted no time getting a couple more past Hellebuyck. Matthews and JVR led the Leafs in scoring with three points each but it was big Patrick Marleau who scored his first and second goal in the blue and white which certainly got us Leafs fans pumped up. It won’t be surprising at all if Marleau scores 25+ this season; it also won’t be surprising to see him shuffled up to the top line with Matthews and Nylander. Expect more plug and play from coach Babcock, especially if the Leafs are in need of a goal. Patrick scored the fourth and fifth goal for the Leafs and that’s what basically sealed Winnipeg’s fate of any comeback possibility.
The Jets were embarrassed; the Leafs really stuck it to them.
Next up is the New York Rangers tomorrow night as the Leafs have their home opener starting at 7PM ET.
Have a great Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy the game!
Thanks for reading.