Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks was a great night for Leafs centres. Captain John Tavares scored, Auston Matthews scored (twice!), and the best of them all Jason Spezza score (thrice!). That’s right, the 18-year veteran, who has more NHL years under his belt than Tavares, Matthews, and Nick Robertson combined (!) put up a three-spot in the Leafs 7-3 win over Vancouver.

Not only did Spezza score a hat trick, but he showed us how to score three different ways. His first goal was a slapper from the right wing, his second came off the rush with a great catch-and-release, and his third displayed some sweet dangles to get around the defenseman and goaltender. Sit down kids, class is in session.

First Goal

After Matthews gave the Leafs the lead of the game, the Canucks tied it up. Spezza then went on the power play and smashed that like button— err, I mean, puck in the net.

Second Goal

Nic Petan, Nic Petan,
What a pass from Nic Petan!
Look at him, find the seam
He should stay, on the team
Watch out!
Point Per Game Nic Petan!

Third Goal

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A REVERSE RETRO!

Reactions

Jason Spezza:

Auston Matthews:

Auston Matthews (x2):

William Nylander and Sheldon Keefe:

The Guys (via Jason Spezza):

Math:

We can all imagine ourselves scoring a hat trick for our Toronto Maple Leafs, and last night Jason Spezza achieved that dream. Amazing.


Various Leafs and Branches

Game Recap: Nic Petan, Nic Petan, leads the Leafs like only he can | by: Brigstew

‘Lost’ Canucks getting left in dust by North Division’s best (hey that’s us!) | by: Iain MacIntyre (Sportsnet)

Maple Leafs play it safer after NHL outbreaks trigger new protocols | by: Mark Zwolinski (Toronto Star)

Maple Leafs continue to shuffle lineup in search for best game | by: Chris Johnston (Sportsnet)

Zach Hyman is a core piece that needs to be prioritized | by: Jori Negin-Shecter (The Leafs Nation)

Travis Dermott left the game early and did not return. Sheldon Keefe says he’s okay.

Here is some video and a physician’s educated guess for what the injury could be. Sounds like Dermott got away with it and it’s day-to-day?

Egor Korshkov scored his 16th goal yesterday!

The Ontario Govt is still not allowing the Marlies and Senators to play home games yet.

The Colorado Avalanche have shut down their facilities for a week due to COVID-19.

Buffalo Sabres head coach, Ralph Krueger (61) is entering NHL COVID Protocol after testing positive for the virus.

The NHL has also announced additional measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This includes removing glass behind the benches, limiting time at the arena, social distancing in locker rooms (only now?), and better ventilation and filtration during games (also only now?).

Old friend Connor Brown tried to field a double play. The Jays signed a second baseman and he’s not you!