The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday evening was a showcase for the forwards and a testomony to the energy and depth of the group’s defensive unit. Veterans like Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson took cost, whereas Timothy Liljegren’s development was on full show with a vital play late within the sport.
Right here’s a breakdown of the defensive efficiency and what it means for the Maple Leafs because the common season approaches.
Morgan Rielly: Main the Means with Heavy Minutes
Morgan Rielly has lengthy been the Maple Leafs’ cornerstone on the blue line, and his preseason sport three efficiency towards the Canadiens bolstered his vital position. Logging 23:48 of ice time, Rielly was a gradual presence at each ends of the ice. His management on the blue line has turn into much more vital this season, significantly with so many new defensive faces on the roster.
Rielly’s capability to handle heavy minutes and carry out underneath stress has made him one of the vital dependable defensemen on the group. In opposition to Montreal, he was instrumental in shutting down offensive threats, significantly through the penalty kill, and driving the play ahead throughout offensive transitions.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe: Discovering Chemistry
Probably the most intriguing defensive pairings within the sport was Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe. Each defensemen logged no less than 20 minutes of ice time—Ekman-Larsson with 20:18 and McCabe with precisely 20:00. After a shaky begin to the preseason, significantly of their first outing towards the Ottawa Senators, the duo bounced again towards the Canadiens.
Associated: How Jake McCabe Elevates the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Blue Line
Ekman-Larsson, who desires to rejuvenate his profession with the Maple Leafs after some difficult seasons, confirmed why the group introduced him in. His poise with the puck and talent to make sensible performs in high-pressure conditions had been evident. In the meantime, McCabe, identified for his physicality and shot-blocking talents, complemented Ekman-Larsson nicely by offering a dependable defensive presence.
The chemistry between Ekman-Larsson and McCabe continues to be a piece in progress. Nonetheless, their efficiency in preseason sport three suggests they might grow to be an efficient second pairing for the Maple Leafs. Shifting ahead, the important thing for this pairing will probably be sustaining consistency and enhancing communication on the ice.
Timothy Liljegren’s Progress: A Key Defensive Play
Probably the most thrilling features of this sport was seeing Timothy Liljegren (who signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Maple Leafs within the offseason) proceed to evolve as a defenseman. At 15:56 of ice time, Liljegren wasn’t the most-used defenseman, however his influence was evident, significantly in a small however essential play late within the sport.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Islanders, Avalanche, Rangers
With 4:36 left within the sport, the Canadiens entered the Maple Leafs’ zone, and the puck received in behind Liljegren in entrance of the Toronto web. Canadiens ahead Joshua Roy tried to skate previous him to realize management of the puck. Liljegren may need targeted an excessive amount of on the puck in earlier seasons, probably leaving his man unchecked. Nonetheless, at this important sport second, Liljegren ignored the puck and focused on taking part in the person. The play prevented Roy from attending to the puck. This delicate but vital play allowed McCabe to clear the puck out of hazard.
The sort of defensive maturity—taking part in the person as a substitute of chasing the puck—might be a game-changer for Liljegren. His development in these conditions signifies that he’s changing into a extra well-rounded, accountable defenseman, which will probably be essential for the Maple Leafs as they tighten their defensive sport.
Simon Benoit: A Quietly Efficient Recreation
Although Simon Benoit performed the least among the many defensemen with 14:38 of ice time, his contributions shouldn’t be neglected. Benoit performed a easy, efficient sport as a depth defenseman combating for a spot within the lineup. He was bodily when wanted and didn’t make any evident errors, which is precisely what the teaching employees will probably be in search of from him because the common season attracts nearer.
Benoit’s position on the group will possible be as a sixth or seventh defenseman, however his capability to step in and play mistake-free hockey will give head coach Craig Berube confidence when juggling the lineup.
The Highway Forward for the Maple Leafs Protection
The preseason is at all times a time to evaluate how the roster will shake out, and based mostly on their performances, the Maple Leafs’ defensive unit appears to be like stronger than final season. Rielly’s management, Ekman-Larsson’s resurgence, McCabe’s consistency, and Liljegren’s development all level to a defensive corps that may maintain its personal towards more durable competitors.
Associated: Reviewing Max Pacioretty’s First Preseason Recreation with the Maple Leafs
Whereas it’s solely early within the preseason, this sport confirmed what Toronto’s protection may appear to be shifting ahead. If Liljegren continues to develop and the Rielly-Ekman-Larsson pairing works, the Maple Leafs may have one among their most balanced defensive lineups lately.
With the common season approaching, seeing how these gamers carry out underneath actual stress will probably be attention-grabbing. However for now, the Maple Leafs’ blue line appears to be like prepared for the problem.
[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.]
