Monday, September 13, 2010

LEAFS CAN'T STOP MARCH OF THE PENGUINS




Game two of the Toronto Maple Leafs three game rookie tournament against the Pittsburgh Penguins yielded a far different result then the first contest. The Leafs' rookies were outplayed in all three periods and with the exception of spurts of solid puck control, couldn't match the effort of the Penguins. The Maple Leafs were without their top prospect Nazem Kadri due to a hip injury and their only offence came in the form of Brayden Irwin. Irwin was signed out of college late last season by the club and played in two regular season games for the Maple Leafs. The 6'5 215lbs Toronto native was the best player on the ice for the Maple Leafs. He played in every situation and placed a beautiful shot past the Penguins net minder to put Toronto up 1 - 0 after the first period. While Irwin is not the fastest skater known to man, he posses a fantastic shot, and uses his size well to win puck battles. With a little more tutelage in the AHL Brayden Irwin could be a solid addition to the big club in the near future.


The other player who made an impact despite the loss was another college signing, goaltender Ben Scrivens. Scrivens stopped 32 out of 34 shots directed his way, and despite being beaten in the last minute of the game, kept the Leafs in touch with some big saves throughout the contest. Were it not for him, the score would have gotten out of hand in the Penguins favour. He definitely merits serious consideration for Marlies net minding duty. The Toronto Maple Leafs will close out this rookie tournament against their provincial rival Ottawa Senators Tuesday night at 7pm on Rogers TV.

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