Morning Mashup: Final Rookie Showdown

by Alec Brownscombe on September 13, 2011 in Leafs News - 408 Comments

Tonight, the Maple Leafs‘ prospects look to complete an impressive showing at the rookie tournament in Oshawa with a win and finish a perfect 3-0 for the tourney. The Blue and White will have what are probably their three most NHL-ready prospects back in the lineup against Ottawa in smooth-skating defencemen Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker, both of whom were standouts in the first game against Chicago, and forward Matt Frattin, who showed glimpses of his impressive physical attributes but will look to get on the scoresheet before the tournament concludes.

Lineup information will come out later today, but one figures after Garret Sparks split duties in game one and played the entirety of game two, Mark Owuya will get his chance at a full 60 tonight. While Owuya let out the occasional rebound I didn’t like against Chicago, his shot stopping and positioning was quite solid. A big goalie who plays the butterfly style, I could already tell why Burke and co. identified Owuya as a prime pupil for Francois Allaire.

The Senators’ rookies also enter the game 2-0, with Stephane Da Costa stealing the show against the Blackhawks to the tune of a hat trick in a 6-5 win against the Hawks on Sunday. Jake Gardiner was the story after game one, Greg McKegg was a stand out in game two, who do you guys think will shine tonight?

LEAFS LINKS:

MapleLeafs.com has posted the behind the 2011 draft video series on the team website. These are always really interesting.

Might be a late link, but Brian Burke has said the only real competition up front at training camp, at least to start the season, will be for the third line left wing position beside Tyler Bozak and Colby Armstrong. Kadri vs. Frattin should make for an interesting battle and just as good of a discussion on these boards.

Kevin McGran with a story on two Leafs prospects who will play together for the Erie Otters this season, Greg McKegg and Sondre Olden.

Lance Hornby with a story on Brad Ross and the offensive expectations for him in his next season in junior.

Frattin prepared to feel the pressure in Leafland

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