Yesterday the Leafs got beat just before the Jays got really beat. I enjoyed a lot of the Leafs game, and liked a lot of the ways they played this game over game 2.

It's early but...

It's early. None of this means a lot, but it's worth watching individual players and how they can grow.

I'm very slowly coming to be convinced by Matias Maccelli. I'm not sure what line he should play on, but he was a very good find. I thought Easton Cowan was a new man by the end of that game. And it was a big sign of respect that he played with the goalie pulled at the end and was good. Bobby McMann looked much more himself and while Nick Robertson made no impact, Max Domi was definitely working hard and keeping the stupid at bay. That could be why McMann was able to build off what he's done so far this year.

Now, the other thing is Calle Järnkrok, and I think everyone has got the wrong idea about him. While it appeared the Leafs had him as surplus in training camp, every game he played, he proved he could do the job. It wasn't a tough decision for them to pick him as a guy who stays on the active roster and David Kämpf as someone who was waived. So it's wrong to suggest Berube or Treliving don't "like" him.

Auston Matthews, though. He was a beast in that game in all zones doing all things. I turned off the GDT when there were complaints about him not happening to score a goal on a one of his shots. He had TWELVE iCF in that game. At five-on-five! He played more minutes than any other player.

Aside from Matthews and his line – Knies was also on fire. I suppose we can't hate on him though because he scored.

In other news, the Jays were better against lights-out Mariners pitching, but not better enough. Sigh. I was extremely busy on the weekend, found the Leafs game a lovely respite even if it was clear some of the areas they need to work on. Weird though it is that they didn't come out of training camp with (counts on fingers) a bunch of new players as a finished elite team ready to win every game.

Anyhow, I have no idea what else happened. Lane Hutson signed a deal? No idea.

The Leafs host the Preds tonight, and this might be Cayden Primeau's debut. I am intrigued. The Jays are in Seattle on Wednesday for an 8 pm start.

That's it.

Cowan's first of many post game scrums:

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