The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Ottawa Senators 4–3 in their first preseason game

As with most of his career, we know he can score goals. He has an NHL shot and proved that by scoring 15 goals last season. But can he further elevate his defensive game? 

It seems Craig Berube and the coaching staff desperately want Robertson to succeed by playing him in all opportunities in yesterday’s game. Robertson was an assistant captain and led by example. He broke up plays on the forecheck and on the penalty kill. He even drew a penalty against Thomas Chabot by being dangerous in the offensive zone.

If Robertson can embrace the third-line player role that Berube is trying to mould him into, Robertson will have a long NHL career. He looked very comfortable against a veteran-heavy Senators lineup yesterday, and needs to continue proving he can do more than score goals.

The rookies: A new hope

The headliners for the Leafs’ lineup were Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. Danford stood out in the first period with his solid positioning and smooth skating. He also had no issues with trying to put the puck on net, something the Leafs’ defence has had a hard time doing. However, Danford took two penalties in the game, and once the Senators pushed back in the second period, he looked a bit out of place.

Cowan had a quiet game offensively, being held off the scoreboard. However, he looked more sturdy and more willing to be an agitator. Cowan did show some offence by creating chances and kept the puck in the Senators’ zone in a play that resulted in Robertson’s goal. I think the bigger part is that he did not look out of place defensively. He arrived at camp at a heavier weight, and he appeared more physically mature.

Offensively, it was the other rookies who stood out. William Villeneuve scored a goal from the point through traffic:

Matthew Barbolini had a give-and-go with Bo Groulx and scored in tight to make it 4–1 Leafs in the second period:

Although not a rookie by age, Marshall Rifai stood out. He fought with Zack MacEwen, was very physical, and had several key blocks, especially on the penalty kill late in the third period, to help the Leafs hold on for the win. Rifai did play in two regular season games with the Leafs last season and is battling for the seventh defenceman.

Artur Akhtyamov looked calm in the crease and made several key saves in the period and a half that he played. He is battling Dennis Hildeby for the third goaltender position behind Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Vyacheslav Peksa took over from Akhtyamov and looked shaky in the beginning. However, he made several key saves in the third period to help the Leafs hold onto the 4–3 lead. 

Onto the next

Even if it’s preseason, it’s always nice to see the Leafs beat the Senators. But I think what has me most excited as a fan is that after 20 years, the Battle of Ontario is back with a vengeance. The Leafs’ second preseason on Tuesday at home against the Senators will likely be another spirited afair.

The Leafs will more than likely ice a veteran-heavy lineup, while the Senators will ice a prospect-focused lineup. Either way, for the key rookies and players on the Leafs looking to make the big club or the Toronto Marlies, they will have to continue to impress.