Toronto Maple Leafs Weekly Report: Offence Continues to Support Defence

5-3 Win over the Ottawa Senators

Nov 9, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Peter Holland (24, right) celebrates his goal with teammates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Before the game, both the Leafs and the Ottawa Senators payed their respects at the National War Memorial, with captains Phaneuf and Erik Karlsson laying wreaths in front of the memorial.

The Leafs had another poor start to the game, with Mike Hoffman placing a perfect shot past James Reimer after Morgan Rielly made a terrible attempt to clear the puck off the boards. Holland tied the game with a weak wrist shot that took a weird bounce past Robin Lehner. For the second straight game the Leafs were unable to hold their opponent from scoring late in the first period, as Kyle Turris‘s shot found a way to sneak past Reimer, looking like it changed direction off of Roman Polak.

The second period was the most exciting period, with the Leafs scoring three goals to take a 4-3 lead into the third. JVR, Josh Leivo and Santorelli were the goal scorers. The nicest goal had to be Josh Leivo’s, because Trevor Smith (who was recalled from the Marlies) made a nice pass to his teammate in front of the net.

In the third period Clarkson tipped a Rielly shot past Lehner, who had a tough game for Ottawa. The Leafs handed Ottawa their first loss at home, despite being outshot 41-30. However, Senators coach Paul Maclean thought the Leafs competed more throughout the whole game. (I’m not used to someone saying the Leafs competed for most of the game!)

Quick Game Notes

Phaneuf led the Leafs with 24:53 minutes

The Leafs blocked a combined 17 shots

Holland had a goal and an assist