LGD: Dion Returns
8 years ago
It’s going to be a very different looking Battle of Ontario this evening, with Dion Phaneuf returning to Toronto for the first time since being traded to Ottawa nearly a month ago. And while I’m very excited/blessed to be watching William Nylander and all the other youngsters playing in the NHL, I’m most excited to see which Leaf will challenge Phaneuf to a fight. I’m assuming it’s going to be one of the newer Leafs, so my money is on… hmmm… Colin Greening? Yeah. Colin Greening.
The Leafs
Ok, but seriously, I am most excited about the kids. All of TLN is excited about the kids. Best of all, tonight we’re actually going to get a legit kid line, with Kasperi Kapanen, Nylander, and Zach Hyman forming Toronto’s second unit. If it wasn’t for the overwhelming desire to draft Auston Matthews this summer, I’d like to see this trio rack up a bunch of goals. Since it’s the Senators, I might want them to rack up a bunch of goals anyways.
The Senators
And here’s the lineup that Otta-Scott Gomez!? Scott Gomez is back in the NHL? With the Senators? Amazing. I have literally nothing else to say.
Starting Goaltenders
Garret Sparks is young, fresh and talented. He’s exactly the type of player that can’t be trusted with keeping the tank on track; like, what if he completely stones the Sens? Can’t have that happening. Instead, Jonathan Bernier and his .897 SV%, 3.12 GAA stat line will be in net for the Leafs tonight. At the other end, Andrew Hammond has the tall task of shutting down the Leafs offence(?).
What to Watch For…
- Dion Phaneuf’s tribute video… Ok, so you actually won’t be able to watch it, since it will air in-arena during a TV timeout. Remember when Phil Kessel didn’t get a tribute video and the Leafs said they wouldn’t be doing that? Way to stick to your guns, guys!
- James Reimer… Not in this game, though. Reimer will be getting his first start as a San Jose Shark later tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. It’s the second game of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader, so stay tuned after the Leafs game to cheer on yo’ boy James.
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