Definition of a trap game for Toronto. Their top players looked completely disinterested at times. Matthews and Tavares looked set on hitting up the bars after the 2nd. Yikes on that Matthews contract as it is becoming quite clear that Marner is now the main driver on the team.
Markstrom absolutely fantastic again. How do you possibly slot in Demko in the immediate future? Any conversations about Demko being the future #1 has to be examined.
Edler getting back to form. You initially see his inability to read offensive situations but then admire his ability to remain positionally sound defensively and neutralize the best forwards in the game.
Stecher continues to battle and again, this is a player you admire. Lack of size and talent up but makes it up with his resilient tenacity.
Gaudette doing the right things, gets 2 points and then benched after a few defensive mishaps. Okay there.
Feel good for Leivo to get the goal and you continue to see this player trending up. Virtanen should be forced to earn a spot next year based on how well Leivo has developed.
Pearson is slow and awkward but is pretty good defensively.
Horvat, Pettersson, Boeser - just absolutely gassed. This is the importance of an NHL team having at least 3 decent lines. You also need those hard nosed puck retrievers to at least create turnovers or battle against the boards. Boeser is absolutely useless in the offensive zone unless someone a) retrieves the puck and b) passes it to the shooter. Horvat has been trying to do it all in the offensive zone.
Rousell is also fading big time. Ineffectual and getting nothing accomplished. Again, do not see the need for this marginal talent on this team.
Motte, Eriksson, Granlund, Beagle. Meh.
