Pre-Season Game #3: Post-Game Notes
The Leafs won a game in the shootout. I’m as confused as you are. It was certainly an interesting one, going for 11 rounds before Colby Armstrong put Philadelphia out of their misery. Here are my game notes:
- The goaltending was great for the Leafs tonight, with Reimer in particular having a very strong performance. Both goals for Philly were flukey and both goalies played strong positional games. The shootout in particular was very impressive for Reimer, showing off his fast reflexes. Reimer is becoming a top goaltending prospect for the Leafs and his year with the Marlies should be very interesting.
- Beauchemin had a rough game. He bobbled the puck on numerous occasions and was pushed out of the play frequently. He had a poor year last year and his pre-season thus far doesn’t bode well for this season either.
- Schenn, by contrast, looked incredibly comfortable with the puck and showed a high degree of patience when passing and shooting. He should be poised to have a big year.
- Danny Richmond played quite unlike what I expected when I saw his stats after his signing. He made a few nice dekes, had incredible composure and chipped in an assist from a nice point shot. He’ll definitely be getting a few more games.
- Korbinian Holzer needs some time in the minors. He made a few nice defensive plays, but he seemed nervous and took himself out of the play often. A year with the Marlies will do him good.
- Lebda and Lashoff were both non-factors in this game. They didn’t play particularly well. They were also both injured early in the game.
- Kadri looked much more comfortable out there, but still couldn’t manage to start any kind of attack. At this point, it seems he’ll need to start the season with the Marlies, although there are still many games to go before the true decision is made. Versteeg and Armstrong were again strong tonight. Versteeg got better as the game wore on, with a nice dangle show in the 3rd period that lead to a shot off the post. Armstrong was a strong net presence and tipped the tying goal behind Bobrovsky. Very hard, accurate shot in the shootout, as well.
- Caputi is getting close to locking down a roster spot. He once again used his size to drive the net and set up McKegg’s goal in the same fashion.
- On that note, McKegg was mostly a non-factor tonight, but he definitely capitalized on the opportunity presented to him when he scored. McKegg should be challenging for a roster spot before long.
- Tim Brent and Marcel Mueller both played a steady physical game without error. They could end up working together a lot for the Marlies this season.
- The fourth line of Rosehill, Hanson and Brown generated a surprising amount of offense tonight. Hanson’s puck skills complimented the energy style of his linemates and they all used their speed to force errors from opposing defensemen.
- It seems like Irwin, Hamilton and Boyce will all be part of the second wave of cuts.
What did you guys think about today’s game?
