Maple Leafs Looked Good Despite Losses Over the Weekend

The Toronto Maple Leafs returned for their first preseason games Saturday night. They did so after one of the worst and most embarrassing seasons in franchise history and an offseason full of dramatic change.

In split-squad games against the Montreal Canadiens, a lineup mostly made up of Leafs players lost 4-1 in Toronto. In Montreal, a lineup of many Toronto Marlies and prospects lost 4-3 in overtime.

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Gavin McKenna Makes His Debut

What many people are calling “The Gavin McKenna Experience” or “McKenna Mania” is now underway in Toronto. It began with a loud pop from the crowd when he was announced at the start of the split-squad game in Toronto.

Praise continued for the rookie when he took on Canadiens defenders with the puck in one-on-one situations without hesitation. McKenna looked calm and focused in the offensive zone. He made smart plays and connected well with William Nylander on many shifts. If Saturday was any indication, we could see those two connecting a lot during the regular season.

McKenna wasn’t without his mistakes. However, that’s what preseason is for. Help him adjust to the NHL level before the games actually matter. He has a high hockey IQ, so I’m sure he’ll adjust just fine.

Not only did the crowd give a big pop when his name was called, but their eyes were glued to him on every shift. Anyone in the arena or watching at home could see many McKenna jerseys throughout the crowd. The energy in the arena grew every time he was on the ice. There hasn’t been this much excitement towards a new player since the Leafs drafted Auston Matthews in 2016.

Power Play: A Work in Progress

A new-looking power play for the Maple Leafs was a huge talking point before the game. McKenna and Matthew Knies were featured on the second power-play unit. New winger Jack Roslovic was on the first unit.

The power play did not live up to the hype, but again, it’s still early, and it’s only preseason. Toronto had new defenceman Darren Raddysh manning the point, Matthews and Nylander on the flanks, John Tavares in his usual spot in front of the net, and Roslovic in the bumper on the first unit. They only managed to go 1 for 6 on the power play despite some decent chances.

The puck movement was decent, but converting on those passes needs to improve. Toronto’s 21.3 percent conversion rate on the power play last season is one of the many reasons the Maple Leafs’ season fell apart.

When you add new players to any group, it takes time for chemistry to build. The passes will start to click, and hopefully the power play will be much improved. I think having Darren Raddysh and his booming shot from the point will open up areas for shooters like Matthews and Nylander.

The Maple Leafs who played in Montreal had a more effective power play. Henrik Rybinski (Toronto Marlies forward) scored with the man advantage, as did new Maple Leafs forward Colton Sissons. Toronto went 2 for 4 with the man advantage in the Bell Centre.