Hockey is back, baby! The Leafs and Senators opened their preseason in an afternoon tilt in the Nation’s Capital. The Sens chose to ice their (likely) opening night top line in this one, while the Leafs elected to ice a more inexperienced team. Here are the three stars from today’s afternoon matinee:
First Star – Jake Sanderson
Sanderson, who was signed to an eight year 64.4 million dollar extension just two weeks ago, was noticeable from the second the puck was dropped till the final buzzer in this one. He was all over the ice, making things happen at both ends of the rink. He jumped into the rush on several occasions, and he also made some key defensive plays as well. He factored in on two of the three goals by the Sens, he finished the game with two assists, and he also had four blocked shots to go along with it. Now I know it was only the first game of the preseason, but Jake looks like he is ready to have a breakout year for the Senators.
Second Star – Tim Stutzle
Stutzle, who is entering the first year of an eight year 66.8 million dollar extension, is out to prove his 39 goal, 90 point season last year was no fluke. He registered a total of four shots on goal in this one, and two of those four shots found their way to the back of the net on the man advantage. Both goals came from similar spots on the ice, and both, especially the second one, were absolute snipes. I, for one, am expecting the German star to have yet another fantastic season for the Sens.
Third Star – Roni Hirvonen
While Hirvonen may not be a household name to the casual fan out there, he was definitely noticeable in this one. He made something happen every single shift he was on the ice. He displayed his creativity as well as his shiftiness several times in the offensive zone. He has the ability to make sharp turns with the puck on his stick to pull defenders out of position. He had an assist in this game as he made a great play to set up Alex Steeves in the second period to tie the game. The lead was short-lived, unfortunately, as Tim Stutzle regained the lead for the Senators just 55 seconds after the Steeves goal.
Honorable mention to Matthew Knies. Knies was an absolute force all game long. He used his big frame to throw some great hits, but where he excels is in puck battles. He also picked up an assist in this one as well. Whenever Knies finds himself along the boards for the puck, there aren’t many times where he isn’t the one who comes away with the puck. His combination of size as well as skill and strength is a deadly combination. I know many Leafs fans have high expectations for Knies this year after he was incredibly impressive last spring during the Leafs playoff run before getting injured against the Panthers, and rightfully so. While I am trying to be realistic with my expectations of Knies for this season, I can’t help but be excited when I see what he is capable of on the ice.
The Sens and Leafs are back at it tomorrow night in Toronto! It may only be preseason, but hockey is back, baby!
