The Leafs were back in action after having two days off as they were set to host the Minnesota Wild in the second game of a three game homestand to kick off the 2023/24 season. Wednesday, the Leafs hosted the Montreal Canadiens in an absolute barn burner, and tonight proved to be no different as the Blue and White thumped the Wild 7-4.
Tonight’s three stars:
First Star – Auston Matthews
Once again, Auston Matthews was an absolute treat for the hometown crowd to watch in this one. Coming off of a hat trick in the season opener on Wednesday, Papi picked up right where he left off as he once again scored yet another hat trick. Matthews is only the fifth player in league history to accomplish such a feat, and he’s the first to do it since Alex Ovechkin did it to kick off the 2017/18 season five years ago. Not to send Leafs Nation into a frenzy, but we all know what Ovechkin and the Capitals did that year, and for those who may not know, they won the Stanley Cup. Matthews played a total of 19:38, where he fired a total of five shots on goal last night, threw three hits, had four takeaways, and also went 56% in the faceoff dot; I guess you could say he was all over the score sheet in this one.
Second Star – William Nylander
Nylander, who also had a great season debut on Wednesday against the Habs, picked up right where he left off, as well as he had a three point night against the Wild last night. He played a total of 17:05 in this one, and he generated six shots on goal during that time. He sent the crowd into a frenzy with a breathtaking individual effort to extend the lead for the Blue and White to 3-1 with just 22 seconds remaining in the opening frame.
Nylander would go on to add a second goal off of a gorgeous shot as he entered the Wild zone to give the Leafs a 7-3 lead in the third period. He also added an assist on a goal by Auston Matthews. I’ll say it once again, Leafs, pay him. Now.
Third Star – Ryan Reaves
After signing a three year deal with the blue and white this past off-season, which was heavily debated throughout the hockey world, has been very entertaining through two games so far this season. While his contract was seen as an overpayment with too much term by a good chunk of people, Reaves has not let the noise bother him whatsoever. He threw his weight around in this one with some great hits, one in particular on Frederick Gaudreau, which led to him dropping the gloves with Marcus Foligno, which led to the crowd getting on their feet.
Personally, I think Reaves is the exact type of player the Leafs have been begging for since the Matthews era began in 2016. His personality, the way he carries himself, and his presence, have the Leafs stars playing with some extra swagger to start the season, and it is very noticeable.
The Leafs are back in action on Monday as they are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks and rookie sensation Connor Bedard to close out the three game homestand. Given the start Matthews has had to the season, it should be a very entertaining hockey game once again!
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