Here are my thoughts: If I had to use 1 word to describe this game: Sloppy, if I had to expand; Sloppy but fun...
Forwards: Every time they connected 3 or more passes, puck went into the net or there was a grade A scoring chance... They were all competing until the very end and they were trying despite the number of bounces/unlucky breaks that went against them... They were all, minus 1, back checking just as hard as forechecking, so no complaints
Nylander: After the 1st, No forecheck, no back check, wouldn't take a hit, nothing that didn't involve easy chances... I know he can bounce back... But this is why the Leafs aren't giving him 10
Knies: He looked great in OT and the 3rd, hopeful Keefe can get him to play like that the entire game
Minten: Fantastic debut, really hoping he'd get one
Defence: Defence was definitely a lot better than expected; really only 3 mistakes the whole game, that ended up in the back of the Leafs net... Have to learn from those but it happens. Rielly played great 5v5 and defensively, Brodie was a lot better (def not one of his best, but he was good when he wasn't tripping or crashing the net for the Habs), Lilly has gotten a lot more confident with the puck which is good... he was also jumping in the play a lot. McCabe had a solid game... Wasn't allowing the Habs to cheap shot Sammy and was throwing big hits, nice to see. Gio was blocking shots, he shouldn't play as much as he did TBH, he wasn't the best IMO minus the PK, put him out there every PK.
Goaltending: Have to give Sammy a break, recovering from a head injury from the playoffs and coming back, he looked nervous. Ready for Woll on Saturday
New additions: Gregor was good. He had a bunch of chances, nothing special but the 4rth line was electric. I didn't realize how good Reaves was... He was a beast and even created scoring chances based on how scare the Habs were of him... Wish the net wasn't there doing the Xhekaj fight and you could tell how infectious his tenacity became during the game for his team. Matthews, Reaves and Lilly led the team with 3 while Marner and Knies were the only ones without a hit. Klingberg was the perfect PP quarterback for the Leafs, I've been a huge fan of his and tonight, he was doing everything, his puck recoveries were effective and his decision making was great. Bertuzzi was a pain for both teams. If he could have just gotten his stick on the puck a few times... He played well just wish he got one. No complaints about Domi... He was good, wish he played the 1rst half like he did the 2nd half
Overall: they need to get the chemistry up and finish on their chances and they should be fine
You are looking for reasons to be mad at Nylander if that was your take away. He put guys on his back and man handled them. He was all over the ice and making plays. Controlled entries all game. He's going to have a huge season.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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