They’re Back !

Since my last report on December 14^th, a couple of things have changed:  the World was taken over by a fast moving variant of COVID, shutting down all kinds of activities – including the NHL, the lucky ones had pre-tested family gatherings, arenas were cut to a 1000 seat capacity, the World Juniors were cancelled and I put the final touches on my blog site hopperonhockey.ca

Pre-game reports said that both Toronto and Ottawa would ice near full rosters for tonight’s contest.  Exceptions for the Leafs were Jake Muzzin, Timothy Liligren and Nick Ritchie (healthy scratch).

As for the Senators, most notable missing were Josh Norris, Tyler Ennis and Shane Pinto.  Goalie Matt Murray has been down in Belleville for a couple of games and got the start tonight.  Tim Stutzle had moved into the centre spot with the number line along side Brady Tkachuck and Drake Batherson.

Well, as you might expect from 2 teams that have been off (Ottawa 13 days – Leafs 18 days) for a while the rust was very evident to start the game.  Passes weren’t sharp, breakouts were pitiful.  It took the Ottawa club 11 minutes to get their first shot goal.

 A fantastic defensive play by TJ Brodie sent David Krampf away on a short handed situation.  He waited patiently as d-man Justin Holl caught up to pump in is first of the season.  Just :27 seconds later, still short handed, Ilya Mikheev finished off a nice play with his superior speed to convert another Brodie play.

One of the major unsung heroes through this latest Toronto Maple Leafs renaissance has been some guy from Calgary, goes by the name of TJ Brodie.  Oh sure he’s steady, supported all those Marc Giordano years in Calgary.  He came to Toronto on a cap friendly deal and settled in.  Who knew ?

Brodie swoops in a wrap around for the only real hilite of the second period.  3- 0 Leafs.

A pretty tepid third period started with a beauty from Nylander followed by a power play from a re-sergeant Mikheyev – a guy who really wants to prove some folks wrong.  And who says Nylander hasn’t benefitted from those computer games ?  Bangs in another to make it 6 zip.

Hopper notes:  I didn’t think 33 year old Alex Biega looked out of place in his limited ice time…Kerfoot had 3 points to bring him to 100 – like the guy ! …SOUP comes up with another shutout on a kind of laid back night – stood tall when required…got to respect the job they’re doing in Ottawa – building a team with strong, fresh talent…they really need a big Policeman (Chara, Pronger type) to hold the fort….missed doing this…HAPPY NEW YEAE EVERYONE !!

Discuss – Cheers !