TO THE SHOW THAT NEVER ENDS !
Seems like a long time since I put pen to paper on a Leafs report. 9 days actually. Since then Matt Murray is still working off an ankle injury, Auston Matthews is still 2-3 games away from his return, Ilya Samsonov enjoyed his time off, Joseph Woll will get his first start tomorrow night, 23 year old Alex Steeves final gets his shot in the bigs and D-Man Connor Timmins gets a contract at $1.2 x 2. WOW, a lot of activity. We’re still 3 weeks away from the trade deadline and GM Kyle Dubas is focussed on one top six forward (Kane, Meir, O’Rielly ?) and one depth D-Man.
Strap in everyone – 30 games left !
The Toronto Maple Leafs came out smokin’. Lots of jump, they shook the rust off in a hurry. Captain Johnny converted his 22nd thanks to a PPG from Bunting and Marner. New guy Steeves showed well in a mid-period forecheck. Rasmus Sandin had a solid hit on Ken Johnson. Was Johnny Hockey playing ?
Not a whole heck of a lot to report about this second period. Nylander had a couple of chances, play opened up with 7 minutes remaining with solid chances at both ends, the Blue Jax had a 4 minute man advantage in which the Leafs had the best chance, the BOO Birds came out and Columbus reacted with 2 or 3 chances as the clock ticked down. Still 1-0 TML.
Clearly the better team was from Toronto. Yet they couldn’t seem to break through this dullard activity. This reporter kept saying “Boys – it’s only 1 -0 ! Nylander had 5 shots on goal, Samsonov made the saves necessary to keep his team in the game. It wasn’t until Pierre Engvall scored his 11th that the Leafs fell out of an embarrassing danger off a nice 3-way with Kampf and Rielly. That was followed closely by the clincher with Tavares (23rd) scoring just :49 seconds later. Samsonov gets his third TML shutout. Leafs win 3 zip.
HOPPER NOTES: Kyle Dubas says he’s looking for a top 6 forward and a depth defenceman. Thanks for holding your cards so close to your vest, BTW. It’s true a top 6 fwd would improve the bottom 6 too. (Jarnkrock will be a pleasant addition to that group)…LOVED that “No one left Behind” TV spot…Wouldn’t you love to have Boone Jenner as your third line centre ? …Korporzello would be a nice “safety” back up to Samsanov don’t you think ?….going to see my much improved (health wise) sister tomorrow and then to my newly minted 12 year old grandson Rhys, David, Peter Higgins ! CHEERS !
Solid game from The Leafs..They need to dominate these non playoff teams..
Having seen Joseph Woll play three times this year with The Marlies, I think he looks ready for the NHL.
Looks very confident in the net.
I know that is a small sample size but I was really impressed.
I don’t think Dubas will pay the price to bring in a big name at the deadline.
So glad to hear Carol is doing better.
Dubas may be forced to sit this trade deadline out.