Morning after recap: Sore?

The Leafs came out flying in the first period, and won in the shootout over an expansion team.

In October, that would’ve seemed like a disgrace. But for now, a win’s a win, two points are two points, and let’s discuss it. Auston Matthews was playing despite reportedly being “sore” earlier in the day, and was instrumental in the Leafs’ win.

Let’s break down the goals:

If there was ever any doubt you still had of him that he wasn’t a quality NHL player, Nazem Kadri has arrived. A force nearly every night, Kadri jumps on the loose puck here and fires it in.

He and JVR do almost the exact same thing on this play – take a whack at the puck. Kadri gets a piece of it a split second before JVR does, and that’s a 1-0 lead for the Leafs.

If the Nashville Predators weren’t so darn good, losing James Neal would be a way bigger blow.

Vegas’ biggest offensive star in their young history, James Neal has had a lot of pretty goals in his career.

This isn’t one of them, but regardless, it’s a 1-1 game. Did he even know the puck hit him?

If the caption of the GIF didn’t give it away, the sore man had a heck of an assist here. No, it wasn’t a pretty pass, but a h*ckin’ good spin move. 10/10.

Another spin move, another goal… and that was just the first period!

Do players pull this play off on purpose? Asking for a friend, or any commentator who never believes this is intentional. A wide point shot from Colin Miller, a fortunate bounce, and an open net for Reilly Smith.

No real celebration from Smith, who’s probably still confused about why Florida got rid of him.

Our four word analysis on when Deryk Engelland is shooting an unscreened shot on you from the top of the circle to the far side of the net:

Gotta have that, Freddy.

There were a few good chances, but overtime solved nothing… so we left it up to this. The first shooter of the shootout…

Wow. Mitch Marner. Despite all the ups and downs (overblown?) this season, Mitch reminders us he’s still one darn skilled player. It isn’t a regulation goal, but in addition to a first period assist, well, decent game from the kid.

No one else scored in the shootout, and the Leafs were victorious. All is right in the world. See you tomorrow night.