The first game of exhibition play is in the books with the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated Ottawa 4-2. It was not a spirited affair by any means, with minimal hitting and only one fight. Toronto played an older, more veteran group.
I won’t repost the box score (link), but I’ll take a look at the best and worst players for the Sens–keeping in mind that this is the first exhibition game of the season and, as such, doesn’t mean much.
Positive Performances
Erik Karlsson was the most engaged “veteran” on the ice and was one of the best players on the ice (a moment that stands out for me was Colby Armstrong futilely trying to get the puck off him in the third period)
Jared Cowen played an outstanding game and was the best rookie on either team, scoring twice and fighting to defend a teammate (Tim Conboy, link). After an indifferent rookie tournament, he’s making strides towards Paul Maclean’s difficult decision on the blueline
Peter Regin was the second best veteran on the ice; other than his faceoffs (which still need work) he played hard–this was the most physical I’ve seen him play
Nikita Filatov had one of those weird games where he was barely noticeable but picked up two assists (including a beauty on Cowen‘s first goal)
Mike Hoffman was riding shotgun on the fourth line and still looked good; he made smart plays in all three zones
Struggling
Patrick Wiercioch had what might be his worst game as a pro, with three “A” grade turnovers for scoring chances
Zenon Konopka disappointed; he was signed to be tough and good on faceoffs and provided neither; he looked slow and ineffective
Tim Conboy looked like a deer in the headlights and struggled all night
Other
David Rundblad, whose name Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen struggled with nearly as much as Mika Zibanejad‘s, mixed moments of brilliance with bad turnovers.
Mark Stone, newly signed, was virtually invisible.
Milan Michalek was hurt blocking a shot in the third period, but apparently it’s nothing serious
Follow the link for The Silver Seven‘s Peter Raaymakers take on the game.
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