It felt as if the Leafs were playing against a New Jersey team from the 90's last night. That would likely be the last time I saw a team collapse around there net like the Carolina Hurricanes did. I’d imagine the Leafs will still have lots of energy left after last night’s game and I don’t expect there to be any carry over fatigue. Carolina…really?
Matthews in a funk?
It’s not the least bit concerning that Matthews hasn’t scored a goal in thirteen games. The only reason I know that number is due to the media making it a big deal. The vast number of scoring chances this kid has had is off the charts. Each game I’m on the edge of my seat thinking “this is it… he’s going to bury one and get back on the horse.
Matthews is a rookie, he’s still learning a lot about the game at this high a level. He’s adjusted very well already and you can see his high end skills with and without the puck. I’ve been very impressed with his puck work along the boards, using his big frame to protect the puck and his creativity while battling in the corners. He wins a lot of battles along the boards and is good at dishing off the puck to an open teammate. What I think Matthews needs is a little spark, just something to get him going. Maybe even a quick swap with Bozak for a period or a game. A little taste of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews together is something I wouldn’t shy away from giving a shot.
Matthews is playing with a couple of rookies and Marner has been playing amazing. Who better to spark him up? Where I agree Bozak has done well between James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner, I could see Matthews fitting in nicely. If the scoring slows down and the Leafs offense begins to fizzle, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Mike Babcock give something like this a shot. It’s still a process and the lines have been producing, but don’t be surprised to see the odd shake up here and there.
Again, I’m not concerned about Matthews play in any which way, he’s been doing everything but finishing. Perhaps a small line tweak like this would throw off the competition as they had a game plan coming into the game. We will see how things progress over the next few games as the Leafs play tonight and then Saturday versus Washington. Hopefully Matthews tickles the twine this week!
Jeremy Bracco:
This will give you an idea of where Bracco stands at just nineteen games into the season. Last year Bracco left Boston College after five games and joined the Kitchener Rangers. His first season in the OHL he scored 21 goals and had 43 assists for 64 points in 49 games, not too shabby.
This season, Bracco already has 16 goals and 24 assists in just 19 games. Are you kidding me? These are some serious stats and exactly why Hunter and the Leafs drafted Jeremy Bracco at #61 overall. The right winger has been an absolute stud this year and is third in scoring in the OHL, the combo of Taylor Raddysh and Alex DeBrincat are the two ahead of him with 41 and 48 points. Bracco is still on pace with those two players as he’s a game or two behind them, he’s been a points machine so far, you got to love it!
Bracco has a promising future in the Leafs organization, especially if he can keep this up. I’d imagine the Marlies will get a taste of Bracco at some point this season or next, it will be up to him whether or not he can continue to produce and make his way up to the big club. One thing that’s for sure, we will be welcoming him with open arms if he’s putting up two points a game.
Keep an eye on Jeremy Bracco.
New Jersey: (9-6-3)
The Devils are off to a decent start this season, led by Taylor Hall (who is injured) and defenseman Damon Severson who seems to find himself a big part of the Devils success in the early goings of this season.
Toronto will likely face Corey Schneider in net who has been his stellar self, posting a 2.27 GAA and a .923 save percent. They will also be playing against PA Parenteau who produced a good chunk of the Leafs abysmal offense last season. As long as Toronto can pop a few goals, I feel they should be in good shape against this New Jersey team, especially with Hall out of the lineup.
Frederik Andersen has a .931 save % over his last twelve games.
With Andersen playing last night the Leafs may be starting Jhonas Enroth in net. So far Enroth is 0-2 with a miserable 4.41 GAA and a .866 save percent. The Leafs will really have to play hard fought game, especially defensively if they want to walk away with two points tonight.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your day!