Finally, hockey season has arrived. The Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Montreal Canadiens. Prior to the game, both teams honoured the iconic 1972 Team Canada team.
Lineup:
Skaters: Nick Robertson, Denis Malgin, Alex Kerfoot, Mark Giordano, Alex Steeves, Calle Jarnkrok, Victor Mete, Kyle Clifford, Bobby McMann, Curtis Douglas, Pontus Holmberg, Morgan Rielly, William Nylander, Joey Anderson, Nick Abruzzese, T.J. Brodie, Jordie Benn, Carl Dahlstrom
Goaltenders: Matt Murray, Erik Kallgren
Murray Looks Sharp in Preseason Debut
The one concern heading into the upcoming NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, would be how would their newly acquired goaltenders fair? So far both Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray have looked sharp during each of their first preseason games.
Matt Murray got the start for the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. The Thunder Bay native turned away all 16 shots that were sent his way, before turning over the crease to Erik Kallgren.
Murray looked noticeably more focussed and sharp compared to his starts with the Ottawa Senators. Although, Murray wasn't bombarded with shots, the game was a good stepping stone towards his confidence.
Leafs Depth Shines
I'll tell you what, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have a hard time making cuts in the next couple of weeks. This offseason the Leafs brought in numerous players, while also having up-and-coming youngsters who want a chance at the NHL roster.
Today, the scoring was highlighted by these players. Nick Robertson opened up the scoring in the first period, after receiving a long stretch pass from Mark Giordano. Robertson walked in on a particle breakaway, beating the Habs goaltender five-hole. Matt Murray also recorded an assist on the play.
Furthermore, the second Leafs goal was scored on the power play. Denis Malgin finished off a tic-tac-toe play after receiving a pass from Alex Kerfoot. Youngster Alex Steeves also recorded an assist on the play.
Lastly, Nick Abruzzese added in an insurance power play goal, after he was assisted by William Nylander and Denis Malgin
Dahlstrom Leaves Game
Leafs depth d-man Carl Dahlstrom only registered three minutes of playing time during the contest. The Swedish d-man, left the game during the first period for precautionary reasons.
Leafs media has yet to release the injury or the nature of his injury. More information to be reported.