How sweet a start.

“Just embarrassing” - Patrik Laine post-game.

The Maple Leafs kicked off the 2017-18 NHL season with a bang last night. The 7-2 victory over the Jets included Frederik Andersen playing lights out, and a pair of goals by new Leaf Patrick Marleau.

Auston Matthews even got in on the action, demonstrating there is no Matthews/Laine rivalry anymore. It’s settled. Matthews won it.

Check out our game recap for all the details.

Leafs 7 - Jets 2: PLAN THE PARADE - Pension Plan Puppets
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Referee Tim Peel had clearly read his rule book before the game. He kept the Leafs on their toes in the game, giving out a penalty to Leo Komarov for an improperly placed visor, warning players about un-tucked jerseys, and then there was the curious case of Andersen’s stick tape.

Watch: The great stick tape caper in tonight’s Leafs - Jets game - Katya
The important on-ice safety issues were prominently policed by Tim Peel.

The Leafs next game is Saturday at 7:00 pm. It’s the home opener and it will be on Hockey Night in Canada.

ICYMI

The Marlies have assigned the following players to the Solar Bears:

Kristian Pospisil
J.J. Piccinich
Vladimir Bobylev

Here’s what else we wrote about yesterday.

Women’s Hockey Wednesday links: NCAA season starts with early upsets - PPP
Plus pre-season and international recaps!

Measuring the Leafs against the goalie depth charts of the top teams - Katya
What’s the strategy for stocking teams with goalies, and how does it vary?

Leafs Money on the Board raises big money for the MLSE Foundation - elseldo
The fan-run charity initiative raised over $6,000 last year for the MLSE Foundation.

Other News

VIDEO: Wayne Simmonds gets the first hat-trick of the season.

And... this happened.

There were some last minute free agent signings yesterday, including one name familiar to Leafs fans.

Capitals sign Alex Chiasson to one year deal.

Blackhawks sign Cody Franson to one year deal.

Golden Knights sign Brandon Pirri to one year deal.

Ducks Sign Josh Manson To 4-Year Extension - Anaheim Calling
The four-year deal will have an AAV of $4.1 million

Replacing Chuck Fletcher would be difficult, but not impossible - Hockey Wilderness
KYLE DUBAS ALERT!

Team Canada coming to Meridian Centre - St. Catharines Standard
Hockey Canada announced Wednesday that Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp will be held at Meridian Centre, Dec. 12 to 15.

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