Leafs Postgame: Toronto… Wins?

Tonight was ‘Retro Night’ in Vancouver. The Canucks celebrated by wearing their absolutely gorgeous black ‘flying skate’ jerseys from the early 90’s while the Leafs celebrated by playing like a Toronto hockey team from the early 90’s. That is to say, the Leafs didn’t look totally embarrassing tonight, despite dressing what appears to be an AHL team. Toronto takes it, 5-2. 

If you missed the first period, don’t sweat it. This game didn’t take off until the second period when Daniel Sedin gave the Canucks the 1-0 lead just 3:18 into the frame and Mark Arcobello responded with two goals to pull the Leafs ahead by a score of 2-1 just a minute and 26 seconds later. 

From that point on, Toronto took the game to Vancouver. The Leafs would pepper shots on Ryan Miller until Brendan Leipsic, in his first ever NHL game, would bat a puck out of mid-air and give Toronto the 3-1 lead. It was a special moment – watch it here:

Midway through the third period, Toronto would go into a shell and focus solely on getting out of VanCity with the win. Sven Baertschi would pull the Canucks within one with less than two minutes to go, but that’s as far as the comeback would make it. Brad Boyes and Leo Komarov would both add empty net goals and the game would end with a 5-2 Toronto win.

Let’s give it to Brendan Leipsic (apologies to Arcobello). Besides scoring his first career NHL goal in his first career NHL game, Leipsic played a strong game and looked every bit like a big league hockey player. In fact, we have to give full marks to the Leafs’ entire fourth line tonight, as Leipsic played alongside Rich Clune and Byron Froese, and you know what? They all looked good. Leipsic led the team tonight with an 88.24 CF% while Clune and Froese followed close behind with identical 83.33% ratings.

Leipsic is a prime candidate to make the jump to the Leafs’ roster next season, and I’m excited to see what he’ll do with that opportunity.

And you know who else is excited?

The Leafs travel to Chicago next to take on the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Tune into TSN4 at 8:30 pm.