Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 observations from 7-2 win over the Jets

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - OCTOBER 4: Forwards Auston Matthews
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - OCTOBER 4: Forwards Auston Matthews /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – OCTOBER 4: forward Adam Lowry /

The preseason is important

Anyone that believes the preseason is a waste of time, look no further than Frederik Andersen’s performance in this game and that notion goes out the window.

The Toronto Maple Leafs starter missed all of last year’s preseason with a shoulder issue and suffered because of it when he debuted in the regular season.

This year, Andersen had a full slate of games, got lots of playing time in and looked good in those outings.

He was locked in to start this game, and he had to be. The Leafs took three penalties in the first 12 minutes of play and four in the first period. Andersen made 17 stops in the frame, with several being from point blank range.

Andersen finished the game with 35 saves on 37 shots (a .946 save percentage) and had a great shot at getting his first shutout of the season.

He was given second star honours for his performance. Hopefully this is only the start of things to come from Andersen.