Toronto Wins Season Opener Against Rival Canadiens
Another one of the greatest rivalries in hockey is in the books, as the Toronto Maple Leafs dominated the Montreal Canadiens 6-1. All night it looked as if the Maple Leafs were playing Peewee Kids.
Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf showed why they worth trading for, as Kessel put up two goals in the first on Jaraslov Halak earning Second Star, and Phaneuf scored two goals (one being short handed), had an assist on Kessel’s first goal, and dropping the mitts with Brian Gionta.
From the very get-go Montreal lacked goaltending. Halak’s final numbers were not pretty, as he allowed five goals on sixteen shots, for a .687 save percentage. Halak was replaced by Carey Price in the second, who allowed one goal on six shots.
Scoring the other two goals for Toronto were John Mitchell and Nikolai Kulemin. Lee Stempniak also had a strong game getting two assists.
In the whole game Toronto had one collapse, allowing a 2-0, resulting in a Montreal Goal, in the dying minutes to ruin Giguere’s shutout. Giguere’s numbers were pretty good, allowing one goal on seventeen shots.
After the game, GM Brian Burke said. ”I am very proud of where this team is now compared to last season at this point. For all you Leafs fan I can pretty much guarantee we will make the playoff for the first time sine the 2003-2004 season.”
The day before GM Brian Burke made surprising moves, sending veterans Jeff Finger and Mike Van Ryn to the Marlies, Toronto’s AHL team. In response to this Brian Burke said. “No one’s job is safe.”
Shortly after, Jeff Finger demanded a trade. Brian Burke told Finger that he respects Finger’s demand, and will find him a new place to play as soon as possible.
Phil Kessel Celebrates on His First of Two Goals in the Game.