Ten moments to remember from the Leafs season
6 years ago
Numbering your favourite Leafs moments is often like picking your favourite children.
So we won’t place any numbers on them, here’s 10 moments worth remembering from the Leafs’ 2017-18 season.
The “Good goal”
Failed to load video.
Sequence of events:
- Auston Matthews scores against Colorado.
- Goal waved off for a controversial goalie interference call?
- No worries, he’ll just do it again, and make sure he knows you know, too.
In an iconic moment akin to Babe Ruth calling his own shot, Matthews signalled his own goal on this play,
Dermott, Holl first goals
If there was a game that was objectively more fun to watch this season, you’ll have to point me towards it. Not only did the Leafs knock off a 5-0 victory, they got to experience the first NHL goals of both Travis Dermott…
Failed to load video.
and then Justin Holl.
Failed to load video.
Two rookie d-men just having a time in Toronto!
While Holl would score in his next game before returning to the AHL, it’d take until the playoffs for Travis Dermott to score again, although he definitively earned a future place in Toronto’s top four with his play over the second half of the season.
Kris Russell wins the game for the Leafs
One minute, five seconds to go.
Who do you pass to?
Hey, why not the other team?
In a blunder for the ages, the Leafs topple the Oilers with this shot by Edmonton’s Kris Russell. What a moment.
Failed to load video.
Beating the heck outta Carolina
The Leafs scored eight goals against the Hurricanes on this 2 p.m. Tuesday game in December, but it was Mitch Marner’s drought breaking goal which was probably the prettiest one. Zipping through the neutral zone, Mitch fooled everyone in what would be the start of an absolute tear he’d go on over the next few months.
Failed to load video.
Auston vs. Montreal, Game 1
Breaking a way too-long losing streak against the Canadiens in a season where they Leafs completely outperformed them, it was this moment of magic which put the Leafs up…
Failed to load video.
… and this moment of magic which won the game for Toronto.
Failed to load video.
Auston vs. Chicago
Just a few days after his heroics in Montreal, Auston decided to make OT winners his “thing”. Though Chicago had a season to forget, they came into the game having scored 15 goals in their first two games.
A well timed line change, Auston picks up the puck, and well, takes it all the way himself for the winner. What a dude.
Failed to load video.
Auston vs. Montreal, Game 2
The goal? Maybe an 8/10. The smile afterwards? 10/10.
Toronto absolutely took it to Montreal on this night, and Auston put the final cherry on top with this rocket.
Failed to load video.
William Nylander give-and-go
Realistically, the Leafs should probably never lose another game to the Detroit Red Wings for at least ten years or so.
While Nazem Kadri would be set up for the eventual game-winner, it was this beautiful give and go with Auston Matthews which allowed the Leafs to even up the score at three. Video game quality there.
Failed to load video.
Kapanen breakaway goal
The last goal of the Leafs season, unfortunately, but boy was it a pretty one.
Kasperi Kapanen outmuscles Brad Marchand for the puck and absolutely puts Tuukka Rask on sliders.
Failed to load video.
Frederik Andersen save
Andersen had more than a few highlight reel moments this year, but none better in the playoffs than this outstretched paddle save late in the Leafs’ first postseason victory of the season.
Failed to load video.
Andreas Johnsson goal
Lot of moments against Montreal in this one. If you find a purer smile in the league, please direct it towards the comments.
Failed to load video.
Recent articles from Adam Laskaris
