Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 observations from 7-2 win over the Jets
By Austin Owens
Patrick Marleau is good at hockey
Are you not entertained? Patrick Marleau didn’t wait long to get his first goal as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the way.
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Due to the increased amount of time on the penalty kill, Marleau took Zach Hyman’s spot alongside Matthews and Nylander for points in the game.
As pretty as his first goal in the preseason may have been, his first regular season goal was even better.
Off a feed from Matthews, Marleau undressed Steve Mason to extend the Leafs lead to 4-0 in the first.
PATRICK MARLEAU SCORES HIS FIRST AS A LEAF pic.twitter.com/lbOuFSxezj
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) October 5, 2017
Marleau added his second of the game in the third off a feed from Nazem Kadri. He was also relied on in all situations by Babcock. He had 14:41 of ice time in the game, with 2:06 on the power-play and 2:44 on the penalty kill.
The veteran looked very comfortable on the third line alongside Kadri and Leo Komarov. They had a good cycle going and were tenacious on pucks below the goal line.
The Leafs’ depth was on full display on Wednesday night. And the bottom six looked great. If they can have consistent performances, the team will do some great things this season.
Next: Leafs roundtable - Early season predictions
The Leafs come home to the Air Canada Centre to play the Rangers on Saturday. Let us know any score predictions. Or share your observations from the season opener versus the Jets in the comments section below.