First Period
The third line is David Kämpf with Noah Gregor and Calle Järnkrok right from the first run through of the lines. Max Domi and Nick Robertson are fourth liners tonight.
Surprised? They got roasted alive in the first two periods against Boston's second line and Ottawa's fourth line is very weak.
The first meaningful play from the Leafs is a two-on-one with John Tavares and Tyler Bertuzzi where the pass is lovely, and Bertuzzi way too wide. Easy save. Twelve minutes to go in the period.
Woll makes a blunder handling the puck and then redeems himself handily.
The Matthews line finally has a reasonably decent offensive shift with nine minutes left to play.
A track meet breaks out, and the Leafs can't seem to get any sustained possession of the puck anywhere on the ice.
Ottawa takes a penalty for dumping Timmins in a hit from behind. Dumb move from Ridley Greig.
The Leafs have trouble (shockingly) getting setup and maintaining possession, but do get off four shots, and then post-PP, there is a turnover (shockingly) and Ottawa scores.
1-0 Senators
Thoughts
Leafs bad.
Second Period
Obviously there is nothing wrong with one and done, when you get it done like this:
Tie game
Domi and Robertson do their thing, but Robertson misses.
But of course, Brady Tkachuk gets a breakaway. He misses, but all Ottawa has to do is wait and they'll get more chances like this.
Woll with another amazing save to rob Tarasenko again.
Matthews with the best chance since the opening minutes and Marner's goal:
Leafs with sustained pressure, and Ryan Reaves actually contributing – this is with Gregor and Kämpf as the lines have been reverted to their usual arrangement.
Woll with another.
Woll again, after a long period of Senators possession.
Woll's goalie-ing the Sens here.
Leafs score from a scramble! David Kämpf gets his second goal of the year.
2-1 Leafs
Timmins takes a tripping penalty with 30 seconds left.
Thoughts
There is no deserve in hockey. But the Leafs were much less bad.
Third Period
Sens on the power play for a minute and a half.
Woll with yet another big save as the power play is just over, and the Leafs turn it over. Again.
Toronto finally gets one of these weird plays that lead to an odd-man rush, and the reunited third line gets it done.
3-1 Leafs
Ottawa gets one back as Jacob Bernard-Docker gets his first NHL goal.
3-2 Leafs
Oh no!! No, no, no. Woll is hurt on some nothing looking play. NO!!!
Woll does not put weight on his left leg as he leaves the ice.
Martin Jones is in, his first NHL game since last year in the playoffs.
Auston Matthews with an authoritative shift, and then on the re-entry, well. Willy Styles:
4-2 Leafs
No skittery panic like they used to do when shit hit the fan.
Max Domi with a legit defensive play, we are in some alt-universe now.
Leafs blow coverage, and Jones makes one, then two important saves.
He's only had five AHL games this season, so he's really not in top game shape.
Leafs are struggling to clear and the Sens have pulled the goalie – there's the panic, as they chop at the puck instead of clearing it. Nylander and Matthews looking subpar here.
Sens score, of course.
4-3 Leafs
Leafs are getting it out, but not maintaining control at all.
Anton Forsberg out again for the extra man, and Simon Benoit takes a high-sticking penalty. Leafs can ice the puck now, the only consolation.
The lights flickered, and I swear half the lights went out once before.
Jones with the save.
Kämpf and McCabe kill the clock along the boards.
Leafs win IN REGULATION.
Thoughts
I'd like to see that determination a leeetle more often, because they're going to need it.
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