Kevin Francis: Pre-season kicks off tomorrow with a doubleheader in Toronto!

I'm curious to see how Brannstrom does, since most of all of us written him off completely.

Can he play his way into the lineup, even in a limited role? It would be a nice surprise that none of us have expected.

I'm curious to see how Brannstrom does, since most of all of us written him off completely.

Can he play his way into the lineup, even in a limited role? It would be a nice surprise that none of us have expected.
- david22

Talking with a few media members today, they said he has looked strong/confident carrying the puck....more than they have ever watched in his few years here. I agree with you, I hope he can!

Will Matt Murray crap the bed lol?

Talking with a few media members today, they said he has looked strong/confident carrying the puck....more than they have ever watched in his few years here. I agree with you, I hope he can!

Will Matt Murray crap the bed lol?
- Kevin Francis

he will do well to start the season then he will crap out.
if samsonov cannot come to the rescue, leafs miss playoffs

he will do well to start the season then he will crap out.
if samsonov cannot come to the rescue, leafs miss playoffs
- Mithos

If he does fizzle out or gets injured, plus couple that with Samsonov not getting it done......heads will roll as they say!

I played a video game last night for the first time in a minute, who had my game winner? Shane Pinto! (the next mike fisher, with less edge but better defensive game)

Excited to see Stutzle with his new teammates. Sanderson with Hamonic. Cam Talbot. Pinto and Boucher. Apparently, now Kastelic listed at 233 lbs and was second in physical test ( wow)

I m going to the Sens fest

I played a video game last night for the first time in a minute, who had my game winner? Shane Pinto! (the next mike fisher, with less edge but better defensive game)
- AlfieisKing

Pinto has all the tools.....like Sanderson, I just hope fans are patient with both of them.

Excited to see Stutzle with his new teammates. Sanderson with Hamonic. Cam Talbot. Pinto and Boucher. Apparently, now Kastelic listed at 233 lbs and was second in physical test ( wow)

I m going to the Sens fest
- Crosside

Kastelic is a beast and will only get bigger/stronger/faster. His dad is a personal trainer to go with being an ex-NHLer, what a great combo!

Enjoy the fanfest on Sunday. I agree, the Stutzle line to go with Pinto and Sanderson. Boucher, I will be very patient on.

The cool fall weather always feels like hockey to me. The sense of optimism this year is refreshing. Despite some unknowns with the defence, certain players legal issues, and team chemistry with new players, it's finally a year to get excited about.

I would have liked to have seen a d-man brought in to help solidify the backend, but it seems like Dorion may hold to see what kind of start this group gets off to. It would be great to see a guy like Hamonic revamp his career to the top 4 d-man he was while pairing well with Sanderson but I'll manage my expectations there.

I do expect this forwards to be one of the most dynamic groups in the Eastern Conference. The additions of Giroux and Debrincat are big. I hope Stu can take his game to super star level.

I have reservations whether or not DJ Smith is the right guy to lead this group. I don't think he will have much of a leash if the season gets off to a bumpy start.

The spring weather reminds me of playoff hockey. Fans get an energy with anticipation. That's been lacking for several years now. Quite exciting to have the strong prospect of spring hockey.

Here's hoping for a successful winter folks! Will be tuning into the games tomorrow.

Pinto has all the tools.....like Sanderson, I just hope fans are patient with both of them.
- Kevin Francis

Very fair point! I know I haven't been patient. Damn COVID and injuries to both made it worse

The cool fall weather always feels like hockey to me. The sense of optimism this year is refreshing. Despite some unknowns with the defence, certain players legal issues, and team chemistry with new players, it's finally a year to get excited about.

I would have liked to have seen a d-man brought in to help solidify the backend, but it seems like Dorion may hold to see what kind of start this group gets off to. It would be great to see a guy like Hamonic revamp his career to the top 4 d-man he was while pairing well with Sanderson but I'll manage my expectations there.

I do expect this forwards to be one of the most dynamic groups in the Eastern Conference. The additions of Giroux and Debrincat are big. I hope Stu can take his game to super star level.

I have reservations whether or not DJ Smith is the right guy to lead this group. I don't think he will have much of a leash if the season gets off to a bumpy start.

The spring weather reminds me of playoff hockey. Fans get an energy with anticipation. That's been lacking for several years now. Quite exciting to have the strong prospect of spring hockey.

Here's hoping for a successful winter folks! Will be tuning into the games tomorrow.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Good to see you in here my friend! Plenty of questions, so hopefully we start to get the answers by regular season time and as the season moves forward.

On another note, I find it wild that Murray isn't playing in either tomorrow. So bizarre!

he will do well to start the season then he will crap out.
if samsonov cannot come to the rescue, leafs miss playoffs
- Mithos

I’ll be playing the Leafs over the total a lot to start the season.

Daniel Alfredsson needs to be part of this organization !! Imagine going to the games and knowing the hall of famer is watching this core with you

Hi Kevin, Just wondering where you get those great game sheets with the lineups? Is there a website that stores all those? Plus yes, Matt Murray will start strong then fade...

Good to see you in here my friend! Plenty of questions, so hopefully we start to get the answers by regular season time and as the season moves forward.

On another note, I find it wild that Murray isn't playing in either tomorrow. So bizarre!
- Kevin Francis

The Dylan Ferguson era starts in Toronto today

Hi Kevin, Just wondering where you get those great game sheets with the lineups? Is there a website that stores all those? Plus yes, Matt Murray will start strong then fade...
- sdperry

You should be able to get them from the teams media communications twitter account.

Oh Murray....

The Dylan Ferguson era starts in Toronto today
- Canada Cup

I wonder if Murray will even play against Ottawa next week! The guy is already starting his head case stuff with the team lol..

Just incredible how bad Zaitsev looked on the 1st goal......no gap control.....didn't challenge the shooter......he did nothing!!

When Branny doesnt have the puck, man he is bad defensively

Just incredible how bad Zaitsev looked on the 1st goal......no gap control.....didn't challenge the shooter......he did nothing!!
- Kevin Francis

The perfect dman for the yotes

The perfect dman for the yotes
- Mithos

DJ leaves Zaitsev out there for all key moments in the game....no in-game adjustments. DJ and Capuano looking at each dumb founded after each goal.....like last year....like how did that happen?! OMG! you got to be kidding me.....I don't care that it's the pre-season. but the defensive structure......there's none......no defensive zone breakout.....this is awful!

I wonder if Murray will even play against Ottawa next week! The guy is already starting his head case stuff with the team lol..
- Kevin Francis

Didn’t you guys sign Giroux? I thought he’d be playing in this game. Malgin > Giroux

Didn’t you guys sign Giroux? I thought he’d be playing in this game. Malgin > Giroux
- Canada Cup

He was earlier......

I missed the second period but I didn't see any trace of offense from this lineup other than the Stutzle goal, which was just a quick stretch pass as opposed to offensive pressure, - and the power play. Sanderson played well from what I saw so that's good. Watson was OK. I think Guenette made an effort.

Toronto on the other hand dominated with guys like Marner, Nylander and Malgin looking good and dangerous throughout.