Maple Leafs unveil star-studded lineup for preseason opener against Senators
As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for their first preseason game tonight against the Ottawa Senators, fans have every reason to feel a mix of excitement and curiosity.
It's the first chance to see the boys back in action, and the lineup looks stacked.
Auston Matthews will hit the ice for the first time as the official team captain at Scotiabank Arena, which is sure to send a jolt of energy through the crowd.
There's also Max Pacioretty, the newest addition to the squad on a tryout contract. Pacioretty brings a veteran presence that could change the Leafs' dynamics, if he's effective.
The grizzled veteran will give a demonstration of the north-south style new head coach Craig Berube wants.
If you're wondering how to feel heading into tonight, the answer is simple: be excited but patient. Preseason games are all about testing the waters, finding chemistry, and seeing what the new guys can bring to the table. There's also the matter of Berube's system, which may take se time to used to for both players and fans.
You should expect a few surprises. It's training camp so players on the season-opening lineup bubble like Pontus Holmberg, Connor Dewar, Ryan Reaves, and young Easton Cowan will be pushing to prove themselves.
The bottom-six roles aren't set in stone, so someone could easily step up and impress Berube. William Nylander and John Tavares are back, with Tavares making his first appearance as an assistant captain and Nylander at center.
Keep an eye on the power play, too. It appears the team will roll with the same first unit as last season, and should get some looks being Ottawa's sending their «B» squad to the six tonight.
Yes tonight's 7PM game is just en exhibition tilt that everyone forgets come October. Yet, it's the perfect time to see the potential unfold. Leafs Nation, it's going to be a fun ride!
Source: Hockey Patrol
Maple Leafs reveal official roster for first preseason game vs the Senators
| POLL | ||
22 SEPTEMBRE | 84 ANSWERS Maple Leafs unveil star-studded lineup for preseason opener against Senators What are you most excited to see in tonight's Maple Leafs preseason opener against the Senators? | ||
| Auston Matthews as captain | 14 | 16.7 % |
| Max Pacioretty's debut | 29 | 34.5 % |
| The power play in action | 14 | 16.7 % |
| Easton Cowan in blue and white | 27 | 32.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
