With four games lined up this evening, Toronto starts the fun hosting the Winnipeg Jets at 7pm EST. The Leafs are coming off a solid outing from Reimer in a 4-1 victory versus Dallas on Monday. ‘Optimus’ chants may be heard tonight if the net minder can put together another performance like he did Monday.
Reimer had 43 saves and played his best game of the season earning the Leafs their second win this season; which was also James Reimer’s second win of the season. Bernier seems to be nursing and injury and will be out of the lineup; Antoine Bibeau has been called up from the Toronto Marlies as tonight’s backup goaltender.
Lupul has been playing quite well under Babcock in the early going, potting two goals on Monday night bringing up his yearly total to 5 goals. If Joffrey can stay healthy (which is the big question of course), he could be a valuable piece for the Leafs going forward getting a quality return, or some leadership and depth scoring down the road. Success for Lupul can only help the Leafs whatever way you want to look at it.
Morgan Rielly seems to be bursting out of his shell, creating offensive chances for himself and his teammates. Not only that but he is stronger on his skates and I’ve seen him a number of times out muscle/hustle the puck away from forwards along the boards. This is great news for us fans as we’ve seen Rielly get progressively better for the Leafs over time, but seems to have progressed to an entirely different level of skill and confidence in the early goings of this season. Rielly had a goal on Monday and also notched two more assists; quite the productive night for the young stud.
Phanuef took a lot of heat during the offseason, people just wanted to get rid of him for nothing; some still do. Regardless whether you are a big fan of Dion Phaneuf or not, he has certainly looked more consistent this season, perhaps having a better partner has helped the cause. A combination of Hunwick, Gardiner and Rielly from what I’ve seen so far this season has worked well. Phaneuf has 7 assists in 11 games and has a +3 rating; not bad for a team with two wins.
Toronto is going to have to be ready for an influx of offensive power coming again in tonight’s matchup as the Jets have a number of players who can put the puck in the net. Toronto needs to keep an eye on the young upcoming star Nikolaj Ehlers who has been red hot for the Jets in the early goings of the season. The line of Little, Ladd and Wheeler is always a threat; so the Leafs really have to zero in on shutting down the Jets top line as well as not giving Ehlers room to skate. Pavelec will likely draw the start for Winnipeg tonight; he holds a 3-3-1 record with a .919 save percent.
Could the victory against Dallas and Reimer’s emergence putting together an incredible game be a spark plug to get the Leafs going? Without question Monday’s game gave the Leafs players some hope in the goaltending department after such disappointment through the first ten games. Perhaps the coaching staff and their hard work are starting to pay off. Whichever way you want to spin it, the Leafs will have to give up fewer shots on goal to continue to string together points. This could be a turning point of the season for Reimer if he can continue his play; we’ve seen it happen in the past and we all know Babcock likes his warrior players who give it all every night.
Toronto has back to back games Friday and Saturday; Detroit and Washington. If Bernier isn’t healthy by then, Bibeau could get a start in one of these matchups if the coaching staff decides to put him in and give Reimer the night off; A nice glimpse at one of Toronto’s potential future goalies.
Enjoy the rest of your week and thanks for reading.