For the second consecutive recreation, the Toronto Maple Leafs eked out a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens, this time on the Bell Centre. The preseason recreation was marked by bodily play, accidents, and standout performances, particularly from gamers seeking to solidify their spots on the roster.
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Accidents and fights disrupting the sport’s movement turned a battle of attrition. Nevertheless, a number of Maple Leafs gamers rose to the event and made important contributions, guaranteeing the win. Let’s break down the important thing performances that made the distinction on this hard-fought victory.
Merchandise One: Nicholas Robertson Scores a Two-Recreation Hat Trick
Nicholas Robertson delivered a commanding efficiency, scoring each of the Maple Leafs’ objectives, persevering with his preseason scorching streak. His first purpose got here throughout a seven-minute energy play after Arber Xhekaj retaliated for a knee-on-knee hit, incomes himself a recreation misconduct. Robertson acquired a move from Easton Cowan and made no mistake, ripping a shot previous Sam Montembault.
Later within the third interval, Robertson struck once more, this time on a breakout play arrange by Pontus Holmberg and Matthew Knies. The second purpose, comparable in model to his first, was a laser from the faceoff circle. The Canadiens’ goalie, Cayden Primeau, had little likelihood to make the save. Robertson’s continued sturdy play pressures the teaching workers to seek out him a everlasting spot on the roster.
Merchandise Two: Pontus Holmberg, Mr. Versatility, Dominates Ice Time
Pontus Holmberg’s versatility was on full show, logging over 21 minutes of ice time, with greater than 11 minutes spent on particular groups. He was integral within the penalty kill and energy play, displaying his worth in all conditions. He performed an important position in establishing Robertson’s second purpose and was the engine behind the Maple Leafs’ greatest line, which featured Robertson and Knies. His two-way strong play continues to make his case for a roster spot over higher-paid gamers.
Merchandise Three: Dennis Hildeby Stands Tall in Web
Regardless of being largely untested within the first interval, Dennis Hildeby got here up large when it mattered, making a number of important saves within the closing two to protect the Maple Leafs’ lead. Montreal pressed laborious, extremely late within the recreation, however Hildeby’s composed play helped climate the storm. His poise in web showcased why he’s prone to begin because the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies’ No. 1 goalie this season, however his efficiency right here might earn him a have a look at the NHL degree if accidents come up.
Merchandise 4: Conor Timmins Steps Up When Wanted
Conor Timmins had his greatest preseason recreation. He logged 23:42 in ice time whereas contributing on each particular groups. He displayed nice consciousness and defensive positioning, serving to the Maple Leafs kill all six Montreal energy performs. His efficiency places him on the radar as a helpful depth piece, particularly with the Maple Leafs seeking to clear cap house. His sturdy preseason play might make him a commerce asset, or he might even leapfrog different defencemen on the depth chart.
Merchandise 5: The Recreation Turned Ugly, with Accidents and Retaliation
The sport turned surly when Montreal’s David Reinbacher left with what seemed to be a severe leg harm after a collision with Marshall Rifai. Shortly afterward, Patrick Laine additionally exited the sport as a consequence of a knee-on-knee hit, resulting in the seven-minute Maple Leafs energy play. Whereas no penalties have been initially known as for the hit, Xhekaj’s retaliation in opposition to Cedric Pare led to his ejection.
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The sport featured a collection of fights, notably between Juraj Slafkovsky and Rifai and later between Josh Anderson and Phillippe Myers. Every of those bodily altercations disrupted the sport, and the quite a few penalties that ensued made for a stop-start affair that lacked rhythm.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
With standout performances from Robertson, Holmberg, and Hildeby, the Maple Leafs proceed fine-tuning their lineup forward of the 2024-25 NHL season. The workforce now heads to their annual retreat earlier than returning to motion in opposition to the Detroit Crimson Wings in a pair of back-to-back preseason video games to shut the exhibition schedule. With roster cuts looming, gamers like Robertson, Holmberg, and Timmins will hope to proceed their momentum and safe their locations on the opening evening roster.
Because the preseason winds down, the teaching workers should make powerful selections. If these key gamers can keep their type, the Maple Leafs might have discovered some hidden gems heading into the common season.
[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.]
