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# Preseason Game # 1: Maple Leafs 4 - Senators 2
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/game-recap-maple-leafs-4-senators-2/
- Published: 2011-09-20T01:49:07.000Z
- Updated: 2011-09-20T01:49:07.000Z
- Author: Julian Sanchez
- Tags: Game Coverage, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:15

Hockey is finally back. The [Toronto Maple Leafs](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/toronto-maple-leafs?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) dropped the [Ottawa Senators](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/ottawa-senators?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 4-2 on the strength of two goals by [Tyler Bozak](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71017/tyler-bozak?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) and a surprisingly competent looking powerplay.

As with any preseason game, it is wise to keep [The Onion's pitch perfect story](http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3Ql2Y2/www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/insane-moron-draws-conclusion-from-nfl-preseason-g%2C21211?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) in mind:

Basing his argument on an entirely meaningless preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, a deranged idiot came to a completely fucking stupid conclusion Tuesday about the whole 2011 NFL season, sources confirmed.

Taking a look at both teams' line-ups you can see [the gaps in each roster](http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2011010004&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). The defences were a mix of current and probable NHLers as well as prospects while each team dressed two lines worth of NHL forwards. Both teams split the goaltending duties between a prospect and their putative back-ups. Still, with the warning that it's only one game, here are some thoughts on tonight's game:

- The Tyler Bozak - [Colby Armstrong](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55445/colby-armstrong?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Nazem Kadri](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71825/nazem-kadri?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) line looked strong all game. They managed a lot more puck possession than would have been expected largely on the ability of Cheese to win puck battles and his strength in protecting the puck.
- Bozak potted two goals including one where he raced away from former teammate Peter Wiercioch before sliding it between [Robin Lehner](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71842/robin-lehner?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)'s legs and another where he drove the net and poked a rebound home.

  
- [Dion Phaneuf](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54651/dion-phaneuf?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) was ready to play. A bit hit, a fight with [Jared Cowen](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71962/jared-cowen?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), and a lot of jumping into the play carried over from his strong second half.

  
- Speaking of Cowen, he showed the good - strong on his skates, a touch of offense with his two goals - and the bad - his fight offset a penalty that would have cancelled out the Leafs' powerplay (they then opened the scoring) and he flipped the puck over the glass under pressure to give up a 5-on-3 - that comes with Not Kadri.
- [Jonas Gustavsson](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/72169/jonas-gustavsson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) is still sliding too far and was lucky on a couple of chances that the Senators missed the net.
- [Ben Scrivens](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/111745/ben-scrivens?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) too over the second half of the game and looked like he hoped: [like James Reimer](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/scrivens-has-a-role-model-in-reimer/article2172170/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). At its basic level, he fits in the same mold as the quiet Manitoban. The starter's role on the Marlies is likely his to lose.
- [Jake Gardiner](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/130014/jake-gardiner?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) will probably never match [Tomas Kaberle](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54289/tomas-kaberle?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)'s contribution to the franchise but he sure did a passable impression of him at times tonight. His skating ability is well-known but his pass for Armstrong's opener threaded the needle.

  
- [Kenny Ryan](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/143523/kenny-ryan?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) was dressed as a reward for his strong play in the rookie tournament and is headed back to the Spitfires but he played like a guy that understands what he needs to do to get to the NHL. He had a couple of Tim Brent-like blocks where he launched himself at shots with scant regard for his safety.
- The Nikolai Kulemin - [Mikhail Grabovski](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54327/mikhail-grabovski?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Clarke MacArthur](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55209/clarke-macarthur?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) line was about all that you would expect.
- [Joe Colborne](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/108208/joe-colborne?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) impressed me with his play. His skating looked improved and he was slightly reminiscent of [Joe Thornton](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54760/joe-thornton?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). Or to make it more Leafs-related, a quicker [Nik Antropov](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54326/nik-antropov?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). I hope he gets a long show in this preseason.

All in all, it was a good start to the preseason for a team that needs the good vibes related to winning to build early and often. For a view from across the aisle, [head over to Silver Seven Sens](http://www.silversevensens.com/2011/9/19/2436714/ottawa-senators-fall-to-toronto-maple-leafs-in-pre-season?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). Who impressed you gys? Who do you want to see more of?

### Who impressed you the most tonight?

| Tyler Bozak - 2 goals               | 205 |
| ----------------------------------- | --- |
| Ben Scrivens - 13 saves on 14 shots | 19  |
| Jake Gardiner - 2 assists           | 205 |
| Kenny Ryan - Hustle and Gusto       | 33  |