The Toronto Maple Leafs secured their first victory of the preseason in their third game, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. This marks the first preseason loss for the Canadiens. Let’s break down the good, bad, and ugly aspects of the game for the Blue & White.
The Good:
Toronto opened the scoring on a power play in the first period when Mitch Marner set up John Tavares for the goal. Nick Robertson secured the game-winner in the second period after stripping the puck and beating the Canadiens’ goalie. The Maple Leafs’ strong defensive performance limited Montreal to just four High-Danger Scoring Chances throughout the game.
The line of Max Domi, Mitch Marner, and Easton Cowan stood out as the best on the ice, displaying speed and playmaking abilities. Cowan, in particular, had a solid game after a lackluster start to the preseason. Additionally, Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson formed a strong defensive pairing, contributing positively to the team’s performance.
The Bad:
A risky play by Max Pacioretty led to a Canadiens goal, showcasing the need for better decision-making on the ice. Despite dominating play and outshooting Montreal, the Maple Leafs only managed to score two goals. There was also a noticeable shift to defensive play in the third period, which Coach Craig Berube was not entirely satisfied with.
The Ugly:
Nick Robertson’s accidental shove on William Nylander resulted in Nylander leaving the game and not returning. While Nylander’s injury was deemed minor, it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in intense gameplay. Injuries to key players like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Nylander are a cause for concern, although they were precautionary measures.
What’s Next:
The teams will face off in a return match in Montreal, likely with core players resting due to injuries. This game may be the last chance for certain players to make an impression before roster decisions are made. Precautions will be taken to ensure that injured players like Nylander, Matthews, and Tavares are ready for the regular season.
