Opening day between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs featured some new faces on both sides but the result and outcome was predictable.
The Leafs in their own zone, still terrible.
They were soft on David Desharnais leading to the PK Subban 3-2 go-ahead goal. It was comical in terms of how many assignments they missed on that play and how discombobulated they looked at times in their defensive zone.
The score shouldn't even have been as close as it was. Nazem Kadri's first period goal was offside and the Leafs third period equalizer was a fluke (although the hockey gods balanced things out with a garbage game winner off Stuart Percy's skate)
But we discovered what we already knew. The Habs are in the top tier of the Eastern Conference in a battle for home ice advantage, while the Leafs are stuck in the middle, fighting for a Wild Card with the Islanders, Devils, Capitals, Flyers and Blue Jackets.
The new faces on the Canadiens were a mixed bag in their debuts.
PA Parenteau was strong. Great chemistry with Desharnais and Max Pacioretty and was noticeable almost every time he was on the ice.
Tom Gilbert struggled, especially when in his own zone. Maybe it was opening day jitters but he looked tentative and genuinely fearful to be hit. Typically not something coach Michel Therrien likes to see, which is why it's baffling to see his ice time at over 22 minutes.
Jiri Sekac wasn't good or bad. He was just there. Which probably isn't a bad thing considering it was just his first NHL game.
The Habs best line, clearly Tomas Plekanec, Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuck. Plekanec looks pretty good with some youthful creative offensive player.
And PK Subban's celebration... lol
Aren't you glad hockey is back?!
- Mitchy
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