The Toronto Maple Leafs concluded their preseason campaign on Saturday night. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. The Leafs end preseason with a tidy 4-1-1 record, taking both games against the Red Wings. There were many players who stood out in front of the new boss, Craig Berube. Nicholas Robertson led the way with five preseason goals, second in the NHL at the conclusion of Toronto’s six exhibition games.
Across those six games, the Maple Leafs showcased several different lineups and combinations. Fans were also introduced to the new Leafs, with Berube implementing a different style of play compared to the past. In this final preliminary game, Toronto put out a lineup that looks like what will be the opening night roster, apart from a couple of players who didn’t feature in this tilt. Let’s dive into what was on display on Saturday and look ahead to the regular season.
Top Lines are as Dominant as Ever
First, it’s important to note that Detroit played a weaker lineup compared to the Maple Leafs. However, in this matchup, Toronto’s stars were untouchable. The shot totals ended 33-20 in favour of the Leafs, including a second period where they out-shot the Wings 15-1. In addition to outshooting their opponent by a large margin, they held the Red Wings off the shot clock for over 15 minutes at one point. On top of that, Toronto’s top two lines held the puck in the offensive zone for what seemed like forever. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander led the way, running rings around Detroit’s offence on Saturday night. Matthews and Marner both earned two points in this victory.
In Toronto’s opening game of the preseason against the Ottawa Senators, they played a similar lineup. However, their stars weren’t nearly as dominant as they were Saturday. As it was their first game with the new coach, Berube should be pleased with how they controlled the game and brought it to the opposition. It wasn’t just during even strength where they racked up the offence. They finished the game with a 50% conversion rate on the power play, going two for four on the night.
And while the forwards might get most of the credit for the offensive-zone dominance, the defencemen deserve love, too. The top D-pair of Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev were excellent at holding the zone. In previous seasons where Rielly would have a different partner, oftentimes the puck would get thrown in deep without a purpose. Now, with Tanev, there is a lot more confidence to make an efficient play up the ice without being wasteful.
The Fourth Line has a Purpose.
Under Sheldon Keefe, the Maple Leafs’ fourth line almost seemed like a line to make up the numbers. They would hardly get any ice time, and when they were out there, it would either end in a goal-against or nothing worth noting. However, Berube has come in and revolutionized Toronto’s fourth line. They play a much more important role, and at the same time, they make things happen.
Saturday night was a great example of what Leafs fans can expect from the fourth line in the regular season. In fact, they got themselves on the scoresheet with the opening goal against Detroit. It was created by great pressure and forechecking from Steven Lorentz and Ryan Reaves.
Lorentz had another excellent showing in the Maple Leafs uniform. Although, he isn’t guaranteed to make the team as he is currently on a PTO, just like Max Pacioretty. However, the Leafs would love to have him as he has many qualities. Not only does he have the ability to score some goals, but he is an aggressive and relentless forechecker. On top of that, he is an elite penalty killer, based on what was on display Saturday. He ragged the puck well when the other team had the man advantage. He even had the guts to storm up the ice in an attempt to create a chance.
Regular Season Opener
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be opening their regular season account on Wednesday, Oct. 9. They’ll be facing their historic rivals, the Montreal Canadiens and will be looking to start the 2024-25 season with a bang. Many players who played Saturday will be on the ice for opening night. Also, it’s been confirmed that Nick Robertson will be there too, and deservingly so. Joseph Woll will be the projected starter in net and will be looking to secure the starting job for the rest of the year.
Main Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
