Most pre-season procrastinators had this season as the one where the always contending Boston Bruins might finally might take a step back. There was uncertainty about injuries to Charlie McCovoy, Brad Marchant and G Jeremy Swayman. Were David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron really coming back in to the fold and what about new Head Coach Jim Montgomery replacing the steady hand of Bruce Cassidy ? Well, 11 games in, the Bruins are leading the entire league at 10 and 1 and scoring 4.45 goals per game. Sniper David Pasternak hasn’t missed a beat with 8 goals and 19 points.
Tonight was the start of a 3 game stretch for the Toronto Maple against true contenders – Boston, Carolina and Las Vegas on a 3 in 4 set. Coach Keefe moved Cale Jarnkrok into centre with Wayne Simmonds and Pierre Engvall on the third line. Timothy Liligren was placed alongside Morgan Reilly to debut in his first game after off season hernia surgery. Nichola Aube-Kubel was waived through the league on Thursday, picked up by the Washington Capitals.
It doesn’t get much better than an original six faceoff on a Saturday night – and tonight’s start was no exception. There is no doubt that the Bruins are full measure for their record to date. Coach Montgomery has two solid top six forward lines in Marchant – Bergeron – DeBrusk and Hall – Krejci – Pasternak. They are interchangeable and effective at both ends of the ice. Austin Mathews opened the scoring with his 5th at 7:19 off a nice kick pass from Michael Bunting.
Anytime you face off two hostile opponents, you are going to see the nasty, under belly of hockey. The Leafs challenge was to see that Boston doesn’t just run away and hide on this early season race. Toronto nemesis Brad Marchant played his evil role by diving for a penalty shot early in the second. Yes, he scored – 4 goals in 4 games. It wasn’t until 13:40 that a TML PP reaped a second goal from Mathews on helpers from Nylander and Marner. Toronto did not stop there as assertive goalmouth attacks looked to extend the lead. Bunts took a particularly wicked hack that led to a third period power play start the third.
A bit of a surprise as Kalgren started the 3rd period. Samsanov out with a bad knee ! TML really needed the penalty kills they got and the tenacious checking all over the ice. Especially when Boston pulled their goalie for the last 1:09. A well deserved 2-1 win.
HOPPER NOTES: Boston D-Man Lindholm and G Ullmark were impressive…Timothy Lilegren looked solid upon his return and Denis Malgin is earning his ice time….this Mathews fighting storyline is boring…I wish I had everyone in my life for a huge group hug,,,,cheers !
Good report on a good game. Thanks Dave.
Yes good game 👍