Return of the Mack; Leafs VS Habs Pre-Season Game 1

Leafs Vs. Habs Preaseason Game 1

It is Saturday, Sunny and Brisk here is Saskatchewan, and we have NHL Pre-Season Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Tonight! The Montreal Canadiens are in Toronto in what may be the most lopsided chirping match of the year. The kids will be getting an earful tonight, alongside a decent amount of Roster players. Including the return of our Captain JT. From what it sounds, to no one’s surprise, he sounds healthy and well prepared for another run at Toronto greatness.

Projected Line-ups:

Bunting-Tavares-Ho-sang

All Ontario first lines get me going. Very excited to see how Bunting looks, and how Ho-sang looks. Before JT came to Toronto I felt he was a Sidney Crosby style player, in the sense that he excels with random wingers almost. Hard working, fast, energetic players who could finish. I feel as if Ho-sang and Bunting both have a chance at sparking something with JT.

Nylander-Kerfoot-Mikheyev

What a deadly concept for a third line. I am curious to see if this line can consistently play with the speed that they all posses. Nylander is a zone entry wizard and Mikheyev is sneaky good at it himself, he just often seems to be alone. Hopefully the three can have a water-bug presence to them tonight, but with finish.

Robertson-Amadio-Spezza

Lil’Nicky! Got right onboard that Robertson bandwagon a couple years ago. We got five seconds of an absolute water-bug last season before he was injured, he put on 10+ pounds this off-season and has put in a ton of work with Hayley Wickenheiser pre-camp. Really hope we see what he has this season. Amadio is interesting center depth, good fourth line b center. And the blessed Jason Spezza, who I am guessing eats off the 10,000 fans energy tonight.

Clune-SDA-Gabriel/Seney

I have heard speculation on the Leafs wanting Gabriel to play part-time if not full-time minutes with the Leafs this season. Energy guy with fists, excellent community guy. Hopefully he brings that Matt Martin speed and overall game that makes him so perfect on the fourth line. SDA still years away but will be nice to see his progression. Get a glimpse of Seney who appears to be ageing out of being a prospect, but solid Marlies depth and a wild card. More Malgins!

And Dickey, aka Rich Clune. Who is the Marlies long time Captain and an absolute unit of a human. Always love to see his name on a Leafs sweater. I hope they get him a regular season game or two one of these years. Just for him.

Muzzin-Liljegren

Haven’t heard anything regarding Jakes health, but he did level Gusev in practice. I’m sure he will say he is 100%. It sounds as if Liljegren is projecting more as a defensive D-man then first scouted, so perhaps this is a future shut down pair. This is Liljegrens year to play full time I hope, I feel as if he might start eyeing a change if he keeps playing AHL seasons.

Sandin-Brodie

I saw some data, small sample size, that said these two were money together. Very interested in this value (>5.9 million dollars) pairing.

Kral-Hollowell

Was some hype around Hollowell, though a back log of offensive defenceman in the organization. Will be watching his shutdown game. Kral was a 5th round pick by the Leafs in 2018, haven’t heard anything about the guy. From a quick hockeyDB glace, this guy has played a lot of hockey on a lot of teams. I wonder if he excels at training camps. Definitely have an eye on him tonight.

Hellickson-Biega

A depth Marlies Defenceman and a depth Leafs defenceman, both new faces to the organization.

Hutchinson

Hutch! What a ride this guy has been on, hopefully a strong showing. Will he go on another waiver wire journey? I’d bet yes.

Scott

Have heard many say that Scott is the closest thing we have to a goalie of the future, he is playing due to a Woll injury. I assume they will share the net. Hopefully a good showing for Mr.Scott.

PP1

Tavares

Nylander-Ho-Sang-Robertson

Sandin

This screams fun. The Leafs have assigned Spencer Carbery to run the power play this year, taking over from Malholtra. Getting William Nylander on the first power play would be my goal. We need to have a more balanced attack this year on the side boards, and Willy is the key. I think. But hey, I’m just a fan.

They have been cleared to have 10,000 fans in the ACC tonight for the game. Might have more energy then the playoffs last year. Whatever the case may be, we are one game closer to the real thing. And getting on the 2021-22 rollercoaster of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I say they do it.