Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

LEAFS TRADE KERFOOT, COMPHER; AQUIRE 1ST ROUND PICK, BORGSTROM, COLBY CAVE

In two seperate trades, the Maple Leafs acquired center Henrik Borgstrom and a 2022 1st Round Pick from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Alexander Kerfoot. They also acquired Colby Cave in a 1-for-1 trade for JT Compher.

Kerfoot, 27, scored 25 goals and 61 points in the regular season and 7 goals and 21 points in the playoffs last season. But the addition of Alexis Lafreniere lowered Kerfoot to the third line, which with Coach Jacob Smabys strategy, was not a good fit for Kerfoot.

Borgstrom is younger at just 24, and scored 13 goals and 25 points in last year's regular season for the Florida Panthers, before adding 1 goal and 2 points in 11 playoff games, 5 of which were against the Toronto Maple Leafs.


JT Compher scored 16 goals and 29 points before adding 2 goals and 10 points in the playoffs and won the Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs last year.

Colby Cave, 26, scored 9 goals and 28 points in the regular season and was held pointless in 3 playoff games

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

HEAD COACH ANNOUNCES OPENING NIGHT STARTING GOALIE

Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Jacob Smaby has announced that rookie Kari Pirroinen will start in goal for the regular season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Pirroinen, 20, was drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft (22nd overall) and has used his extensive playing time in the Juniors to his advantage to somehow usurp incumbent starter Frederik Andersen from his role.

Newcomer P.K. Subban will start the season on the top pairing with Morgan Reilly. Josh Manson will play on the middle pairing with Rasmus Sandin. Brodin and Liljegren round out the top 6

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

2021-2022 NHL Regular Season Opening Lineup

Lafreniere-Tavares-Marner
Nylander-Matthews-Tuch
Bratt-Borgstrom-Vanek
Laughton-Cave-Brown

Reilly-Subban
Sandin-Manson
Brodin-Liljegren

Starter: Kari Pirronen
Backup: Frederik Andersen

Scratched:
D Gustav Olofsson, RW Yegor Korshkov, G Matt Murray

Captaincy: John Tavares
Alternate Captains: Auston Matthews, Morgan Reilly

Newcomer Jersey Numbers:
•Henrik Borgstrom: 24
•Colby Cave: 33
•Kari Pirroinen: 39
•P.K. Subban: 76
•Josh Manson: 42
•Dustin Brown: 23
•Alexis Lafreniere: 11
•Scott Laughton: 22

[SENS_AK27]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Congrats on the Cup. I'm sure the celebrating would keep going all summer.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Congrats on the Cup. I'm sure the celebrating would keep going all summer.

Thanks. With the additions of PK Subban, Josh Manson, Alexis Lafreniere & Henrik Borgstrom, plus the emergence of rookie goalie Kari Pirroinen, I fully anticipate another deep run and we have a good chance at a repeat. Pirroinen jumped from a 76 Overall to a 89 [emoji44] so that was probably the biggest surprise

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Personal Update

There will be a brief pause over the Thanksgiving weekend. I am working the entire weekend, including two more overnights (horray! [emoji19]). And need sleep [emoji42]

I'll be back sometime late Monday or Tuesday

Cheers

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

2021-2022 NHL Season Preview

Subtractions: C. Alexander Kerfoot, C. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, LW Alex Steen, C JT Compher, D Jay Bouwmeester, D Dion Phaneuf, D Travis Hamonic, G Henrik Lundqvist

Additions: LW Alexis Lafreniere, C Henrik Borgstrom, LW Scott Laughton, C Colby Cave, RW Dustin Brown, D P.K. Subban, D Josh Manson, G Kari Pirroinen

Storylines To Follow:

•Goaltending:

A year after winning the Stanley Cup, it seems Frederik Andersen will be the backup and rookie goalie Kari Pirroinen will make his NHL debut in a starting role.

But can the 20 year old without a single pro game of hockey, straight out of Windsor, leads the Maple Leafs back to the playoffs? Or will coach Jacob Smaby have to lean on Frederik Andersen? And will Andersen adapt to a new role of a backup?

•Defense: The Leafs made probably the biggest splash in free agency picking up defensemen P.K. Subban & Josh Manson. Both are right handed shots, giving the Leafs, at last, an even split of left and right handed defensemen. On the left there's Morgan Reilly, Rasmus Sandin and Jonas Brodin. On the right, Subban, Manson and Timothy Liljegren. 7th defenseman Gustav Olofsson is a leftie.



{Personal Note: Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian followers!}

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oct. 14/2021

INAUGURAL ISSUE OF "AROUND THE LEAGUE"

To give a more detailed view into the season, LeafsNetwork will do a quarterly issue, known as "Around the League" updating you on storylines, standings, important trades/signings that doesn't always involve the Toronto Maple Leafs. These will be done at the beginning of the Regular Season, at Christmas Break, at All Star Break & Trade Deadline. At the end of the Regular Season, there will be two Special Issues. "The Toughest Battle" will cover all playoff bound teams whilst "The Up & Comers" will focus on non-playoff teams

Without further ado..


•All-Rookie Goaltending: The Calgary Flames are banking on a pair of 20 year old rookies this year. Dustin Wolf, 6'0 176lbs, was drafted in the 7th round (214th Overall) of the 2019 Draft, and he now projects to be the starting goalie. An impressive feat, regardless of the result. This is Wolf's second season in the NHL; he went 10-14-2 in 34 games last year

The other option is Cristian Sbaraglia, their 2019 1st round pick (27th). He is smaller at 5'11 179lbs.

•Youth movement continues in Detroit: The Detroit Red Wings are one of the youngest teams in the league with an average age of just 25. Their top 4 defense is 23 or younger. It'll be interesting to see if they can help veteran goalie Johnathan Bernier to limit the shots on goal

[SENS_AK27]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

I like that you are doing this. It's a cool idea.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Regular Season Opener Preview
October 14, 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Montreal Canadiens

The summer was filled with parades and celebrations after the first Stanley Cup victory since 1967. The Cup went all over the world, including Sweden, Austria & the Czech Republic.

Now it's back to the ice for the start of another long grind. And who better to start that off against than familiar foes Montreal Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a number of huge splashes over the off season, adding PK Subban, Josh Manson & Dustin Brown through free agency and picking up Henrik Borgstrom and rookie phenom Alexis Lafreniere through trades. Playoff goal leader Alex Tuch returns, once again on the second line with familiar teammates William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Hopefully a full season of Alex Tuch will propel this team further

The Montreal Canadiens added a few interesting pieces over the offseason as well; former Leaf Tyson Barrie is on the top pairing with Shea Weber. That pairing could be very effective, and they'll need them to be; they're second pair is Brett Kulak & Jeff Petry

They also added Jordan Eberle. He will play on an incredibly effective second line with elite forwards Johnathan Drouin and Max Domi. The first line includes Tomas Tatar, Jesper Kotkaniemi & Brendan Gallagher.

Rookie Shannan Zanatta will make his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens tonight, playing on the 4th line with Arturri Lehkonen & Nick Suzuki

In net, the Leafs have a new starter. Rookie Kari Pirroinen will make his professional and NHL debut tonight. The 20 year old netminder straight out of Com... Windsor takes the reigns from Frederik Andersen, who won the Stanley Cup last year; Kari has some pretty big skates to fill.

The Habs will respond with Carey Price, to the surprise of no one. They have a decent backup in Cayden Primeau.

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Regular Season Opener Preview
October 14, 2021

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Montreal Canadiens

The summer was filled with parades and celebrations after the first Stanley Cup victory since 1967. The Cup went all over the world, including Sweden, Austria & the Czech Republic.

Now it's back to the ice for the start of another long grind. And who better to start that off against than familiar foes Montreal Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a number of huge splashes over the off season, adding PK Subban, Josh Manson & Dustin Brown through free agency and picking up Henrik Borgstrom and rookie phenom Alexis Lafreniere through trades. Playoff goal leader Alex Tuch returns, once again on the second line with familiar teammates William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Hopefully a full season of Alex Tuch will propel this team further

The Montreal Canadiens added a few interesting pieces over the offseason as well; former Leaf Tyson Barrie is on the top pairing with Shea Weber. That pairing could be very effective, and they'll need them to be; they're second pair is Brett Kulak & Jeff Petry

They also added Jordan Eberle. He will play on an incredibly effective second line with elite forwards Johnathan Drouin and Max Domi. The first line includes Tomas Tatar, Jesper Kotkaniemi & Brendan Gallagher.

Rookie Shannan Zanatta will make his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens tonight, playing on the 4th line with Arturri Lehkonen & Nick Suzuki

In net, the Leafs have a new starter. Rookie Kari Pirroinen will make his professional and NHL debut tonight. The 20 year old netminder straight out of Com... Windsor takes the reigns from Frederik Andersen, who won the Stanley Cup last year; Kari has some pretty big skates to fill.

The Habs will respond with Carey Price, to the surprise of no one. They have a decent backup in Cayden Primeau.

October 14/2021
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Montreal Canadiens
Game Lineups

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Lafreniere-Tavares-Marner
Nylander-Matthews-Tuch
Bratt-Borgstrom-Vanek
Laughton-Cave-Brown

Reilly-Subban
Sandin-Manson
Brodin-Liljegren

Starter: Kari Pirroinen
Backup: Frederik Andersen

Montreal Canadiens

Tatar-Kotkaniemi-Gallagher
Drouin-Domi-Eberle
Perrault-Danault-Namestnikov
Lehkonen-Suzuki-Zanatta

Weber-Barrie
Kulak-Petry
Mete-Juulsen

Starter: Carey Price
Backup: Cayden Primeau

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

PIRROINEN SHUTS OUT MONTREAL

Rookie netminder Kari Pirroinen made 16 saves in his professional debut to Shutouts the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. Kari is just the second goalie in Franchise history to do so, after Garret Sparks.

The first period saw the Leafs completely control the Canadiens; outshooting them 12-1 and outscoring them 2-0. John Tavares would score the first goal of the season at 6:57, before getting into a fight with Brett Kulak at 17:39. Josh Manson would score his first as a Leaf at 17:49 to head into the second with a 2-0 lead

In the second, Montreal rookie Zanatta would take a tripping penalty. The vaunted PowerPlay came on and despite a myriad of opportunities, it looked like Montreal was going to kill the Penalty - until Jesper Bratt and Auston Matthews caught Montreal in the middle of a line change. Bratt found a wide open Auston Matthews and he had a long breakaway with no one to stop him; he made no mistake at 16:42

The third period saw the Leafs hand the Canadiens a golden opportunity to get back into the game after Henrik Borgstrom and Jonas Brodin would take back to back penalties. Somehow, the Leafs penalty Kill would kill it off, but not without Pirroinen making some truly amazing saves. At 16:39, William Nylander would end Carey Prices night with a one-timer goal from Josh Manson. Cayden Primeau would come in. He stopped all 4 shots he faced.

Goal Scoring:

•1st Period, 6:57: TOR John Tavares (1) {Lakfreniere, Subban}
•1st Period, 17:49: TOR Josh Manson {Matthews}

•2nd Period, 16:42: TOR Auston Matthews {Bratt, Sandin}

•3rd Period, 16:39: TOR William Nylander {Manson, Pirroinen}

Goalie Stats;

Toronto Maple Leafs:
•Kari Pirroinen: 16 Shots Against, 16 Saves, 100% Save Percentage, 0.00GAA, 1 Assist

Montreal Canadiens:
•Carey Price: 27 Shots Against, 23 Saves, .852%, 4.24 GAA (56:38)
•Cayden Primeau: 4 Shots Against, 4 Saves, 100%, 0.00GAA (3:22)

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

2021-2022 Toronto Marlies Regular Season Preview

Last season saw the Toronto Marlies bounced from the Calder Cup Playoffs in the second round. A number of players from last year have returned, including Pierre Engvall, leading scorer last season with 71 points, defensemen Luke Schenn, who's established himself defensively lately, & goaltender Mike Smith, although he is in a backup role this year with Craig Anderson as the starter

Rookie center Riley Stotts will start the year with the Marlies, playing the second line with Engvall and another returnee, Matt Luff.

The defense is probably the only weakness, and the only week spot is speed. Three of the Top 6 are over 33, with Ron Hainsey the oldest at 40. Tobias Bjornfort looks to have a regular spot in the lineup this year.

Lineup:

Bourque-Cousins-Ritchie
Engvall-Stotts-Luff
Leier-Paquette-Veronneau
Lammikko-Sturm-R. White

Aho-Schenn
Hainsey-Biega
Bjornfort-Staal

Starter: Craig Anderson
Backup: Mike Smith

Captain: Luke Schenn
Alternates: Riley Stotts, Ron Hainsey

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oct 19/2021

ANDERSEN TO START HOME OPENER

New Jersey Devils @ Toronto Maple Leafs
{0-3-1} {2-1}

The Toronto Maple Leafs will hold a Special Ceremony prior to the home opener against the New Jersey Devils and Frederik Andersen will get the start in honor of him leading the team to its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs will be without forward Jesper Bratt for the foreseeable future; the forward is out until October 26 with a pulled groin. As a result, Vanek will shift to his natural position of Left Wing and Yegor Korshkov will enter the lineup on the third line with Vanek & Borgstrom

On the other side of the ice, the New Jersey Devils are searching for their first win of the ssaaon. But they must do so without forward Kyle Palmieri, who is also out with a pulled groin. Center Casey Cizikas will slot into the lineup, which will see Jack Hughes & Nico Hischier playing on the same line. In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood will get the start while Marcus Hogberg will back him up

[Vettz25]

Re: Cursebreaker (Toronto Maple Leafs NHL20 - Fun Only)

Oct 19/2021

ANDERSEN TO START HOME OPENER

New Jersey Devils @ Toronto Maple Leafs
{0-3-1} {2-1}

The Toronto Maple Leafs will hold a Special Ceremony prior to the home opener against the New Jersey Devils and Frederik Andersen will get the start in honor of him leading the team to its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs will be without forward Jesper Bratt for the foreseeable future; the forward is out until October 26 with a pulled groin. As a result, Vanek will shift to his natural position of Left Wing and Yegor Korshkov will enter the lineup on the third line with Vanek & Borgstrom

On the other side of the ice, the New Jersey Devils are searching for their first win of the ssaaon. But they must do so without forward Kyle Palmieri, who is also out with a pulled groin. Center Casey Cizikas will slot into the lineup, which will see Jack Hughes & Nico Hischier playing on the same line. In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood will get the start while Marcus Hogberg will back him up

Oct 19/2021

New Jersey Devils @ Toronto Maple Leafs

Game Lineups

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Lafreniere-Tavares-Marner
Nylander-Matthews-Tuch
Vanek-Borgstrom-Korshkov
Laughton-Cave-Brown

Reilly-Subban
Sandin-Manson
Brodin-Liljegren

Starter: Frederik Andersen
Backup: Kari Pirroinen

New Jersey Devils:

Hughes-Hischier-Sheary
Gusev-Kuokkanen-Wood
Zacha-Boqvist-Perezhogin
Merkley-Jankowski-Cizikas

Vukojevic-Severson
Butcher-Smith
Mueller-Holl

Starter: Mackenzie Blackwood
Backup: Marcus Hogberg