Preseason is all the time a captivating time of yr. The Toronto Maple Leafs are not any totally different than another NHL staff. They’ve a mix of younger gamers battling for roster spots and veterans shaking off the rust and attempting to get into sport form.
In Toronto, followers watched a star-studded lineup take the ice in opposition to the Ottawa Senators of their preseason opener. It was an exhilarating, back-and-forth affair that led to a 6-5 time beyond regulation loss for the Maple Leafs. They face the Senators once more tonight (Sept. 24), however this time on the highway. Historically, this implies Ottawa followers received’t see Toronto’s prime stars, as youthful gamers may have an opportunity to showcase their expertise.
Associated: Will a Wholesome Max Pacioretty Make the Maple Leafs’ Opening Evening Roster?
It’s nonetheless early, and lots stays to be sorted out earlier than the season begins. Every sport presents a brand new take a look at who clicks with whom and which gamers are growing chemistry. Though the primary sport led to a loss, it revealed a number of key takeaways heading into tonight’s sport. So, what can we already learn about this staff? And what do they should enhance on to arrange for a difficult Atlantic Division race?
What Have Maple Leafs Followers Discovered Already?
The Maple Leafs’ first preseason sport supplied loads of insights into how the staff is shaping up below new head coach Craig Berube. With core gamers and a number of other new faces within the lineup, followers have rather a lot to digest. Listed here are 5 issues we now know as we head into preseason sport two.
First, the High Line Is Locked In
The road of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies appears set because the Maple Leafs’ prime unit. This trio stayed intact all through the sport and regarded comfy enjoying collectively. Whereas no fireworks came about, their consistency bodes properly for the long run. Anticipate Berube to proceed leaning on this line because the anchor for Toronto’s offense.
Second, Tavares and Pacioretty Are Clicking
John Tavares and Max Pacioretty demonstrated quick chemistry, combining for six factors—two targets and an help for Pacioretty and three assists for Tavares. Their play was the brightest spot for Toronto on this sport. The large query surrounding Pacioretty is his well being, but when he can keep on the ice, this duo could possibly be a key piece of the Maple Leafs’ assault. Toronto will possible determine a option to signal Pacioretty, who’s on a Skilled Tryout Contract, if he continues to carry out at this stage.
Third, Nylander as a Middle Is Nonetheless a Work in Progress
William Nylander centered Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok within the first sport, however the line had blended outcomes. Whereas Nylander regarded sharp offensively, scoring a highlight-reel purpose and aiding on a power-play tally, the road struggled defensively. Nylander completed the sport at minus-1, Domi was minus-3, and Jarnkrok didn’t make a lot of an impression. Anticipate extra tinkering with this line, and don’t be stunned if changes are made in sport two or later within the preseason.
Associated: 3 Takeaways From Maple Leafs’ 6-5 Preseason Loss to Senators
Fourth, Rookie Cowan and Grebenkin’s Roles Are Nonetheless Unclear
Easton Cowan and Nikita Grebenkin each confirmed flashes of potential however didn’t make definitive instances for NHL roster spots. Cowan, specifically, hung out on a number of strains however didn’t have an everyday spot, indicating that Berube continues to be determining the place he matches. In the meantime, Grebenkin had restricted ice time, although he did handle to contribute to the second power-play unit. These rookies have extra to show in the event that they hope to make the staff out of camp.
Fifth, the Protection Pairings Are a Work in Progress
Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev fashioned a strong prime pairing, with Rielly logging over 24 minutes, together with vital power-play time. Nonetheless, the pairing of Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson struggled, elevating questions on their chemistry. If these struggles persist, Berube would possibly reshuffle the pairings, probably shifting Timothy Liljegren up and shifting McCabe again to his pure left facet. Rookie defenseman Cade Webber had a quiet, mistake-free sport however seems destined for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies for additional growth.
The Backside Line: Sport 2 Will Reveal Extra Concerning the Maple Leafs
The primary sport of the preseason answered some questions whereas leaving others open. Berube continues to be experimenting with strains and pairings, and the subsequent few video games will possible reveal extra about how the roster will shake out. As we head into preseason sport two, followers ought to watch how these preliminary takeaways evolve and what changes are made.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
