In many ways, the Toronto Maple Leafs delivered what was expected in their season-opening victory over their original-six rival the Montreal Canadiens.
The Toronto Maple Leafs displayed offensive wizardry and filled the opposition’s net. They also made mental gaffes and defensive miscues that are to be expected in the first game of the season, but which are probably not anything to worry about (thinking specifically about a couple big gaffes by Brodie and Liljegren, both of whom otherwise played well).
In the end, the home crowd went home happy and abundantly entertained. The Leafs came up with a win, but there was no shortage of items for head coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff to address.