Leafs Post Game: Making Pat Proud
9 years ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs did a very cool thing and honoured Pat Quinn before tonight’s game. They also did another cool thing and ran the Washington Capitals out of the Air Canada Centre, defeating them by a score of 6-2.
The Rundown
The Leafs opened the scoring in this one with a shade under six minutes to go in the first period. As many looked to slow-to-get-up Nazem Kadri in the corner, Morgan Rielly threw a slapshot towards the Washington net. A few bounces later, and it was in the back of it. In the period’s final seconds, Cody Franson contributed another goal from the point, this time taking in a pass from Joffrey Lupul and firing it straight in.
Almost immediately after play resumed to begin the second period, Tyler Bozak deflected a shot from James van RIemsdyk to widen the gap further. Troy Browuer took advantage of a Stephane Robidas high stick to score a powerplay goal and break the shutout, but seconds later, David Clarkson added his seventh of the year. Bozak closed the period with another goal, once again finishing a JVR/Kessel play to bring himself to eleven on the season.
Washington beat Bernier once again in the third period, but that was as close as they’d get themselves. With three minutes and change to go, Joffrey Lupul added Toronto’s third powerplay goal of the night, securing a wide victory for the Leafs.
Blue Warrior
I’m torn, but I think I’m going to lean this one in favour of Jonathan Bernier. Unlike the Washington duo, who had some massive struggles, he stopped 35 of 37 shots. Toronto obviously had a lot of wiggle room tonight, but he definitely kept them in a position to win at all times.
Notes
- Cody Franson’s goal came with 23 seconds left in the first period.
- Tyler Bozak’s first goal came 23 seconds into the second period.
- David Clarkson’s goal came 23 seconds after Troy Brouwer’s.
- This was the Leafs’ 23rd game of the season.
- The Capitals took 23 shots after two periods.
- The Leafs took 23 shots in total.
- The Capitals had a total of 23 penalty minutes.
- Pat Quinn wore #23 for the Leafs.
- If you watched the game or are aware of Gerry Dee’s twitter, you’ve seen the above 23 times.
- Before Bozak’s second goal, JVR and Kessel had 22 combined assists. After, they had 24. WHERE DID TWENTY THREE GO?
- I’m not a huge fan of Ovechkin’s hit on Leo Komarov. I don’t know what provoked it, but it was enough to send Leo to the quiet room, and it was definitely reckless and blindsided. I say this with Ovechkin being my favourite active player. Just not cool. Hopefully Komarov is totally fine.
- The Leafs return to the ice on Tuesday, when they take on the Dallas Stars, in game two of a five game homestand.
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