Finally, it is finally time to drop the puck. Fall is in the air, and hockey is officially back. What better way to kick it off than with the forever rivalry between the Leafs and the Habs? Both teams did not disappoint either, as this one went back and forth, with the Leafs ultimately coming out on top with the 6-5 shootout victory.
Tonight’s Three Stars:
First Star – Auston Matthews
Auston has a history of showing up big in season opening games for the blue and white; just see his first career game in 2016, where he scored four goals in his NHL debut! Tonight was no different. Matthews was an absolute beast for most of the night, he was around the puck all game long and seemed to make something happen every time he had the puck. He played a total of 24:32, fired eight shots on goal, and had a hat trick to top it off. His first goal of the night was the 300th of his NHL career, making him the fastest guy in Leafs history to reach the milestone. At just 26 years of age, Matthews is now only 117 goals behind Mats Sundin, who holds the franchise record with 420 goals.
Second Star – John Tavares
Oh, captain, my captain. Tavares is entering his sixth season with the blue and white, believe it or not. It feels like it was just yesterday when he signed that seven year 77 million dollar contract to come home and play for his childhood team. Many around the hockey world think Tavares is no longer the player he used to be, but he continues to prove people wrong. He’s been Mr. Consistent throughout his entire NHL career. He was impressive once again in this one as he played a total of 19:47, had three shots on goal, was 60% in the faceoff circle, and also contributed with three assists as well. I personally think the captain of the blue and white is going to have a big year for the club.
Third Star – William Nylander
Willy, who is entering the final year of his contract that carries a 6.9 million dollar cap hit, was great tonight. If I was Leafs new GM, Brad Treliving, I would lock him up to a lengthy extension as soon as possible. Nylander had a career year last year where he set career high in goals (40), assists (47), and points (87). He kicked off his 2023/24 season on the right foot tonight too, as he played a total of 22:41, scored a rocket of a goal, added an assist, and also had a total of five shots on goal. Many throughout Leafs Nation have grown quite frustrated with Nylander over the years, but there’s no denying the level of raw talent the 27-year-old Swede provides in the Leafs lineup.
The Leafs are back in action Saturday night as they host the Minnesota Wild for the first Hockey Night in Canada of the 2023/24 season!
