Toronto Maple Leafs Start 2010-11 Season With a Win Against Montreal Canadiens

Given that the Toronto Maple Leafs started last season winless in their first eight games, it has to be a huge load off the players’ shoulders that they were able to win against the hated Montreal Canadiens last night, 3-2.

As big as the win was for the Leafs, it’s only one game, but there were many positives that could be taken out of game No. 1, including a tremendous performance from veteran goaltender J.S. Giguere and the continued offense from high-flying winger Phil Kessel, who continued his preseason success, scoring the Leafs second goal of the game at 08:57 of the first period.

Kessel, who was a threat all game long, registered five shots and was able to find the open space at ease against a Montreal defense that appeared flat-footed at times against the Leafs faster players.

That said, on this night it was two newcomers that were the heroes for the Leafs. Cambridge, Ontario native Tim Brent scored the opening goal of the game/season, tipping in a shot from captain Dion Phaneuf at 06:42 of the first, while Clarke MacArthur scored the eventual game-winner (a nice backhand that eluded Canadiens starter Carey Price) at 01:36 of the third period.

The MacArthur goal made it 3-1 for the Leafs, but to their credit, the Habs scored less than a minute later when Jeff Halpren snapped a shot past J.S. Giguere, who had no chance on the play.

The two teams exchanged scoring chances throughout the third period, and the Canadiens fought off two penalties, including a hooking call on Tom Pyatt at 16:06 of the third period. However, the Canadiens could not beat Giguere, who made two huge saves with just a few seconds to go in the third, preserving the win for the Leafs and sending the Canadiens home with their first loss of the season, albeit without the services of a suspended Mike Cammallari.

Overall, the Leafs looked to be a much more defensively disciplined team from last season. That said, they did give up three consecutive power play opportunities in the second period. Fortunately the Leafs' penalty kill held the Habs off the scoreboard, but those penalties could have been very costly.

In a surprise move, Mike Zigomanis, a player that received very little ice time in the preseason, suited up for the Leafs. However, this was in a limited role that saw the veteran forward get just 4:22 of ice time, 1:18 of which was on the penalty kill.

The Leafs top line of Tyler Bozak, Kris Versteeg, and Phil Kessel all got more than 20 minutes of ice time—a trait that I feel will continue for much of the season.

Overall, it was a good effort from the Maple Leafs, but they were not without fault.

The Leafs took far too many penalties in the second period, and the defense looked susceptible to the Habs speed down low on occasion.

The Leafs also had trouble getting their power play going, finishing 0-for-5 and registering just three shots in the process.

A much better power play is a must if the Maple Leafs intend to make the playoffs. Despite a strong showing in the preseason, the Leafs will have to be better.

In the end, the Habs out-shot the Leafs by a margin of 28-24, the difference being the solid goaltending of J.S. Giguere, who emerged as the game's first star.

A better start to the season is imperative for the Leafs if they intend on making a run at a playoff spot. Thursday night's win is the first step in what could be the Leafs first trip to the playoffs in what seems like a decade.