Ken Carson, the Blue Jays’ first trainer has some memories from the first Opening Day:
“It was snowing furiously for Opening Day. Funny, everyone in Toronto says they were at Opening Day at Exhibition Stadium. If that were the case, the attendance would have been pushing four-million. The box score said the official attendance was 44,649. But it just showed that Toronto was the perfect city for baseball and anticipation was high because there had been so much buildup for the first season. Opening Day was special, especially for the Canadian people involved. There were media and TV people from my hometown of Barrie to talk to me. Also, there was a reporter, Ted Beare, from Brantford, where the Penguins held training camp, who came to interview me for his newspaper, The Expositor. Everyone wanted to be involved. It was snowing hard but there was no way we weren’t going to play. Some Chicago White Sox players were sliding across the snowy infield on top of the tarp. We won 9–5 and first baseman Doug Ault became an instant hero by hitting two home runs. The crowd chanted, “We want beer.” Beer was not legal at the ballpark in Toronto at the time. What a day that was. None of this meant that I was exempt from the pranksters. In about the fifth inning, Phil Roof got me yet again. He handed me a hot water bottle and told me to take it out to Bill Singer, our Opening Day pitcher. You can picture this. Bill is in his windup and I go running out with the hot water bottle. Nestor Chylak, the home plate umpire, calls time and asks, “Where are you going?” And I say, “To give this to the pitcher.” He tells me, “Get your ass off the field, the pitcher is the only one who isn’t cold.” I turn around to go back to the dugout and everybody on the bench is killing themselves laughing. I have been had again. We had four great umpires Opening Day. Nestor, the crew chief, who was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame, Richie Garcia, Steve Palermo and Joe Brinkman. They all turned out to be good friends over the years.”
CLEVELAND MONSTERS (9-6-0-2 – 20 Points) vs. TORONTO MARLIES (11-6-1-0 – 23 Points) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022 1 2 3 OT FINAL CLEVELAND 2 0 3 — 5 TORONTO 1 0 0 — 1
GAME SUMMARY | GAME SHEET | PHOTOS | SCRUMS SCORING SUMMARY
Cleveland: J. Luoto (2) PP (C. Clayton, J. Greaves), E. Bemstrom (9) (K. Marchenko), C. Fonstad (4) PP (O. Sillinger, C. Clayton), J. Richards (5) (E. Bemstrom, J. Luoto), J. Luoto (3) EN, SH (Unassisted) Goaltender: J. Greaves (41/42) W
Toronto: L. Shaw (8) PP (S. Der-Arguchintsev, A. Steeves) Goaltender: K. Petruzzelli (29/33) L ON THE SCORESHEET
Logan Shaw opened the scoring on the power play at 7:00 of the first period. He has points (1-1-2) in consecutive games. He has 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 18 games this season.
Semyon Der-Arguchintsev recorded the primary assist on Shaw’s first period goal.
Alex Steeves picked up the secondary assist on Shaw’s first period goal. He has points (1-1-2) in consecutive games.
Keith Petruzzelli stopped 29 of 33 shots he faced. TEAM NOTES
The Marlies went 0-for-2 on the penalty kill and 1-for-4 on the power play. Toronto is 11-4-1-0 when scoring on the power play and 5-4-1-0 when allowing a goal on the penalty kill.
Toronto had a 42-34 edge in shots in all situations. Logan Shaw led the Marlies with seven shots on goal. Toronto is 6-3-0-0 when outshooting their opponent.
The Marlies are 8-4-0-0 against North Division opponents and are 1-1-0-0 against the Cleveland Monsters. RECORD WHEN
Scoring first 8-4-1-0 Trailing after 1st 1-2-0-0 Trailing after 2nd 2-4-0-0 At home 4-3-0-0 November 6-4-1-0 Saturday 6-1-0-0 MARLIES LEADERS *Amongst active players
On today’s game: Power play helped us get the lead. Generally speaking, I thought five-on-five we had a pretty good game. Their goalie made a lot of good saves. Thought we controlled the game at even-strength for the most part. We just had a hard time cracking the code on getting pucks through him. Towards the end in the third period, they had a little bit of a push. Obviously playing a team back-to-back on a weekend, it’s really hard to beat a team twice and they were super motivated to not lose two in a row to us. Overall if we’re looking at our process, there are games this year our special teams and goaltending have won us the game even when we may not have controlled the game. I see this as a fourth game now where we’re playing much better, more consistent in controlling the game at even-strength. Today we just couldn’t find the bounces.
On the Rich Clune retirement ceremony: Just trying to hold back the tears. Since I’ve been here, a lot has happened, and he’s been here the whole time since this season. As a head coach, you lean on your captain a lot. There’s a lot of conversations. We’re on the same page, pulling the rope in the same direction and you really need the perspective and voice of your captain to help you as a head coach to lead your team. I can’t say enough for what he’s done for me, for what he’s done for this organization and what he’s done for his teammates. He’s continuing to do it here as a development coach within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. For all of us staff that have worked with him and been through thick and thin, it was great to celebrate him and the emotions were very positive.
UPCOMING GAMES: *All times Eastern Standard Time
December 3 vs. Syracuse – 4:00 p.m. December 4 vs. Belleville – 4:00 p.m. December 7 vs. Belleville – 7:00 p.m. December 9 at Syracuse – 7:00 p.m. December 10 vs. Rochester – 4:00 p.m.
LAST GAME Score: Toronto 2 vs. Arizona 4 Date: Monday, October 17, 2022 TOR Goals: Nylander (PPG), Marner ARI Goals: Ritchie (PPG), Fischer, Gostisbehere, Crouse (EN) TOR Goaltender: Källgren, 15-for-18, .833 SV% ARI Goaltender: Vejmelka, 26-for-28, .929 SV% TOR Power Play: 1-for-5 TOR Penalty Kill: 3-for-5 Team Notes: – John Tavares posted the primary assist on Nylander’s power play goal. With the assist, Tavares recorded his 900th career NHL point (392G, 508A). Tavares is currently on a four-game point streak where he has recorded five points (1G, 4A). Mitch Marner is also on a four-game point streak where he has recorded four points (1G, 3A).
William Nylander scored on a power play opportunity at 12:54 of the third period. Nylander has scored a power play goal in back-to-back games (Oct. 15 vs. OTT, Oct. 17 vs. ARI).
Erik Källgren turned away 15 of 18 shots he faced in his season debut with the Maple Leafs. TONIGHT’S GAME 2022-23 Matchups vs. Dallas: First of Two 2021-22 Record vs. Dallas: 2-0-0 Toronto Season Record: 2-2-0 Toronto Home Record: 2-1-0 TONIGHT’S STORYLINES Toronto will face-off against the Dallas Stars tonight in the first of two matchups between the clubs this season. Their second game of the season will be played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on December 6. Toronto has won seven of their last nine games against the Stars that were played on home ice. BROADCAST INFORMATION TV: Sportsnet ONE RADIO: Sportsnet 590 NEXT GAME Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Opponent: at Winnipeg Jets Time: 7 pm ET Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio) Toronto Maple Leafs: Media Notes RECENT TRANSACTIONS October 19, 2022 The Maple Leafs recalled defenceman Filip Král from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Defenceman Jake Muzzin has been placed on injured reserve. October 16, 2022 The Maple Leafs recalled defenceman Victor Mete and forwards Nicholas Robertson and Wayne Simmonds from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). October 15, 2022 The Maple Leafs have placed goaltender Matt Murray on long-term injured reserve. Goaltender Erik Källgren has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an emergency basis. INJURY REPORT Jordie Benn Groin (LTIR) Carl Dahlström Shoulder (IR) Timothy Liljegren Hernia (LTIR) Matt Murray Adductor Injury (LTIR) Jake Muzzin Neck (IR) ALL-TIME VS. DALLAS STARS: First Matchup between Clubs: November 11, 1967 (Toronto 1 vs. Minnesota 2) All-Time Record: 99-92-28-1 (220 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 56-39-17-0 (112 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 43-53-11-1 (108 Games) Last Home Win vs. Opponent: March 15, 2022 (Toronto 4 vs. Dallas 0) ACTIVE LEADERS VS. DALLAS STARS: Games Played: Mark Giordano (40), Calle Järnkrok (37), Wayne Simmonds (31) Goals: Calle Järnkrok (10), John Tavares (9), Auston Matthews (8) Assists: Mark Giordano (15), Mitch Marner (14), John Tavares (13) Points: John Tavares (22), Mark Giordano (19), Calle Järnkrok (17) Penalty Minutes Wayne Simmonds (47), Mark Giordano (26), Calle Järnkrok (9) 2022-23 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO% Toronto .500 2.75 3.00 21.4 81.3 32.8 24.0 52.6 Dallas 1.000 4.33 1.00 30.0 92.9 26.7 29.0 52.7 THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2022-23 Power Play: 21.4% Power Play Goal Leader: 2 – Nylander Power Play Point Leader: 3 – Tavares (1G, 2A) 2021-22 Power Play: 63/231 (27.3%) ON THE PK IN 2022-23 Penalty Kill: 81.3% Shorthanded Goal Leader: N/A Shorthanded Point Leader: N/A 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 192/234 (82.1%) FAST FACTS Thursday games 2nd of 15 (7 home, 8 road) Back-to-Backs played 1 of 14 Record in first game of back-toback 0-1-0 Record in second game of back-toback 1-0-0 October games 5th of 10 (4 home, 6 road) UPCOMING MILESTONES Mark Giordano Six assists away from 400 career NHL assists Auston Matthews One assist away from 200 career NHL assists Denis Malgin Four games away from 200 career NHL games Jake Muzzin Six points away from 300 career NHL points Rasmus Sandin Eight games away from 100 career NHL games played John Tavares Eight goals away from 400 career NHL goals RECENT MILESTONES John Tavares Recorded his 900th career NHL point with an assist, Oct. 17 vs. ARI HOW THE MAPLE LEAFS WERE BUILT Draft (9) Free Agent (15) Trade (4) 2019 – Robertson (53rd overall) 2022 – Aston-Reese (Oct. 9) 2022- Murray (July 11) 2018 – Král (149th overall) 2022 – Järnkrok (July 15) 2022 – Giordano (Mar. 20) 2018 – Sandin (29th overall) 2022 – Mete (July 14) 2019 – Kerfoot (July 1) 2017 – Liljegren (17th overall) 2022 – Benn (July 14) 2019 – Muzzin (Jan. 28) 2016 – Matthews (1st overall) 2022 – Samsonov (July 13) 2015 – Marner (4th overall) 2022 – Malgin (July 13) 2014 – Engvall (188th overall) 2022 – Aubé-Kubel (July 13) 2014 – Nylander (8th overall) 2021 – Bunting (July 28) 2012 – Rielly (5th overall) 2021 – Kämpf (July 28) 2021 – Källgren (May 19) 2021 – Dahlström (July 28) 2020 – Brodie (Oct. 9) 2020 – Simmonds (Oct. 9) 2018 – Tavares (July 1) 2016 – Holl (July 2)
2022-23 TEAM LEADERS CATEGORY LEADER CATEGORY LEADER GOALS 3 – Nylander HITS 19 – Aubé-Kubel ASSISTS 4 – Rielly, Tavares BLOCKED SHOTS 11 – Holl POINTS 5 –Tavares (1G, 4A) TAKEAWAYS 5 – Kämpf, Kerfoot, Marner, Tavares POWER PLAY POINTS 3 – Tavares (1G, 2A) TOI PER GAME 22:38 – Rielly SHORTHANDED POINTS N/A PP TOI PER GAME 4:49 – Matthews PIMs 6 – Järnkrok SH TOI PER GAME 3:26 – Holl SHOTS 21 – Matthews WINS 2 – Samsonov FACEOFF% 100% – Aston-Reese, Engvall, Bunting GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE 2.00 – Samsonov 5-on-5 CF% 70.18% – Matthews SAVE PERCENTAGE .926 – Samsonov RECORD BY MONTH
2022-23 GAME HIGHS CATEGORY HOME ROAD Most Goals, Game 1 – Seven Players Tied 1 – Bunting, Malgin, Nylander (Oct. 12 at MTL) Most Assists, Game 2 – Rielly (Oct. 13 vs. WSH) 2 – Tavares, Oct. 12 at MTL Most Points, Game 2 – Rielly (2A, Oct. 13 vs. WSH) 2 – Nylander (1G, 1A – Oct. 12 at MTL), Tavares (2A – Oct. 12 at MTL) Most Shots, Game 7 – Nylander (Oct. 13 vs. WSH), Matthews (Oct. 15 vs. OTT) 5 – Matthews, Nylander (Oct. 12 at MTL) Time on Ice, Game 26:10 – Marner (Oct. 17 vs. ARI) 22:32 – Rielly, Oct. 12 at MTL Most Saves, Game 26 – Samsonov (Oct. 15 vs. OTT) 19 – Murray, Oct. 12 at MTL CATEGORY GAME PERIOD Most Goals, For 3 – Oct. 12 at MTL, Oct. 13 vs. WSH, Oct. 15 vs. OTT 2 – 3rd, Oct. 15 vs. OTT, 3rd Oct. 17 vs. ARI Most Goals, Against 4 – Oct. 12 at MTL, Oct. 17 vs. ARI 2 – Five Tied Most Shots, For 39 – Oct. 13 vs. WSH 21 – Oct. 13 vs. WSH Most Shots, Against 28 – Oct. 15 vs. OTT 11 – 1st, Oct. 13 vs. WSH, 1st Oct. 15 vs. OTT Fewest Shots, For 28 – Oct. 17 vs. ARI 5 – 1st, Oct. 17 vs. ARI Fewest Shots, Against 19 – Oct. 17 vs. ARI 4 – 1st, Oct. 17 vs. ARI TORONTO MARLIES The Marlies are back in action this weekend with back-to-back games against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Alex Steeves currently leads the team with three points (2G, 1A) through two games.
LAST GAME Score: Toronto 3 vs. Washington 2 Date: Thursday, October 13, 2022 TOR Goals: Tavares (PPG), Järnkrok, Matthews WSH Goals: Dowd, Johansson TOR Goaltender: Samsonov, 24/26, .923% WSH Goaltender: Lindgren, 36/39, .923% TOR Power Play: 1-for-3 TOR Penalty Kill: 5-for-5 Team Notes: – John Tavares scored a power play goal during the first period of Thursday’s win. With his goal, Tavares is now two points away from 900 career NHL points and eight goals away from 400 career NHL goals. Tavares has recorded three points (1G, 2A) through his last two games.
Calle Järnkrok recorded his first goal as a Maple Leaf.
Mark Giordano registered the primary assist on Matthews’ goal. Giordano is six assists away from 400 career NHL assists.
Three players are currently on a two-game point streak including John Tavares (1G, 2A), Morgan Rielly (3A) and Mitch Marner (2A).
Ilya Samsonov appeared in his debut with the Maple Leafs and earned his first win with the club. TONIGHT’S GAME 2022-23 Matchups vs. Ottawa: First of Four 2021-22 Record vs. Ottawa: 3-1-0 Toronto Season Record: 1-1-0 Toronto Home Record: 1-0-0 TONIGHT’S STORYLINES The Maple Leafs will face-off against the Ottawa Senators in the team’s second home game of the season. Tonight marks the first of four matchups between the clubs this season. Toronto has won three straight games against the Senators and are on a nine-game point streak on home ice against Ottawa. The Maple Leafs are playing in their second game of a four-game home stand.
BROADCAST INFORMATION TV: Sportsnet RADIO: TSN 1050
RECENT TRANSACTIONS October 13, 2022 The Maple Leafs signed Fraser Minten to a three-year, entry-level contract. INJURY REPORT Jordie Benn Groin (LTIR) Carl Dahlström Shoulder (IR) Timothy Liljegren Hernia (LTIR) ALL-TIME VS. OTTAWA SENATORS: First Matchup between Clubs: October 20, 1992 (Toronto 5 vs. Ottawa 3) All-Time Record: 64-56-3-13 (136 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 36-22-2-8 (68 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 28-34-1-5 (68 Games) Last Home Win vs. Opponent: January 1, 2022 (Toronto 6 vs. Ottawa 0) ACTIVE LEADERS VS. OTTAWA SENATORS: Games Played: John Tavares (47), Morgan Rielly (36), Mark Giordano (31) Goals: Auston Matthews (23), Mitch Marner (11), John Tavares (11) Assists: Mitch Marner (21), John Tavares (20), Auston Matthews (17), William Nylander (17) Points: Auston Matthews (40), Mitch Marner (32), John Tavares (31) Penalty Minutes John Tavares (28), Mark Giordano (24), Jake Muzzin (13) 2022-23 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO% Toronto .500 3.00 3.00 14.3 100.0 35.5 24.5 51.4 Ottawa .000 1.00 4.00 0.0 100.0 36.0 36.0 55.1 THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2022-23 Power Play: 14.3% Power Play Goal Leader: 1 – Tavares Power Play Point Leader: 1 – Tavares (1G), Rielly (1A), Marner (1A) 2021-22 Power Play: 63/231 (27.3%)
NEXT GAME Date: Monday, October 17, 2022 Opponent: vs. Arizona Coyotes Time: 7:00 pm ET Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio) ON THE PK IN 2022-23 Penalty Kill: 100.0% Shorthanded Goal Leader: N/A Shorthanded Point Leader: N/A 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 192/234 (82.1%) FAST FACTS Saturday games 1st of 22 (10 home, 12 road) Back-to-Backs played 1 of 14 Record in first game of back-to back 0-1-0 Record in second game of back-to back 1-0-0 October games 3rd of 10 (4 home, 6 road) UPCOMING MILESTONES Mark Giordano Six assists away from 400 career NHL assists Auston Matthews Two assists away from 200 career NHL assists Denis Malgin Six games away from 200 career NHL games Jake Muzzin Seven points away from 300 career NHL points John Tavares Eight goals away from 400 career NHL goals John Tavares Two points away from 900 career NHL points HOW THE MAPLE LEAFS WERE BUILT Draft (7) Free Agent (12) Trade (4) 2018 – Sandin (29th overall) 2022 – Aston-Reese (Oct. 9) 2022- Murray (July 11) 2017 – Liljegren (17th overall) 2022 – Järnkrok (July 15) 2022 – Giordano (Mar. 20) 2016 – Matthews (1st overall) 2022 – Benn (July 14) 2019 – Kerfoot (July 1) 2015 – Marner (4th overall) 2022 – Samsonov (July 13) 2019 – Muzzin (Jan. 28) 2014 – Engvall (188th overall) 2022 – Malgin (July 13) 2014 – Nylander (8th overall) 2022 – Aubé-Kubel (July 13) 2012 – Rielly (5th overall) 2021 – Bunting (July 28) 2021 – Kämpf (July 28) 2021 – Dahlstrom (July 28) 2020 – Brodie (Oct. 9) 2018 – Tavares (July 1) 2016 – Holl (July 2)
TORONTO MARLIES The Marlies lost their 2022-23 season opener against the Rochester Americans last night by a 4-2 score. Alex Steeves led the team in points with two (1G, 1A) and Logan Shaw added a power play goal. Erik Källgren started the game and stopped 16 of 18 shots through 27:34 of play. Källgren was removed from the game due to an injury midway through the second period and was relieved by Dylan Ferguson who turned away five of the seven shots he was tested with. The club returns to Coca-Cola Coliseum to take on the Rochester Americans at 4pm this afternoon in the second game of a back-to-back.
SENATORS NOTES
LAST GAME: Oct. 13, 4-1 loss at Buffalo: The Senators opened their season on the road for the first time since 2015 in a 4-1 loss for at KeyBank Center. In a contest between the two youngest teams by opening night lineup, Buffalo (25.0) and Ottawa (25.7) remained scoreless until the 10:16 mark of the first period when Tkachuk became the first Senators captain to open a season’s scoring since Alfredsson on 10/3/09. Peterka began the Sabres run of four consecutive goals with his first career NHL tally at 4:31 of the middle stanza before newly named alternate captain Dahlin provided the game-winner for the home side 2:06 later. Olofsson would register two empty net goals in the third period for the night’s final score. The contest also saw the debut of the Senators’ Sanderson who became the first Montana-born skater to appear in an NHL game. Anderson turned aside 35 shots to earn the win for Buffalo while Forsberg made 32 saves in taking the loss for Ottawa. Scratches: Brassard, Gambrell, Zaitsev; Injuries: Talbot; Shots: OTT – 36, BUF – 36; PP: OTT – 0-4, BUF – 0-4 BROADCAST INFORMATION: This evening’s game against Toronto will be broadcast nationally on CBC and Sportsnet Ontario as a part of Hockey Night in Canada. On the radio, the game will be available locally via TSN 1200 (English) and 94,5 Unique-FM (French). WHAT’S NEXT: Ottawa returns home to begin a five-game homestand against Boston on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The contest will mark the first of four regular-season meetings and the first of two matchups at Canadian Tire Centre. INJURY REPORT: G Talbot is on IR and will not oppose the Maple Leafs this evening. Total man-games lost: 1. RECENT TRANSACTIONS: None. OTTAWA vs. TORONTO – History: 2022-23 (0-0-0): Oct. 15 @ Toronto, Jan. 27 @ Toronto, March 18 @ Ottawa, April 1 @ Ottawa 2021-22 (1-2-1): 10/14/21 @ Ottawa (3-2 win), 10/16/21 @ Toronto (3-1 loss), 1/1/22 @ Toronto (6-0 loss), 4/15/22 @ Ottawa (5-4 OT loss) Series record: Overall: 69-52-3-12; Home: 39-21-1-7; Away: 30-31-2-5 Last Ottawa win: @ Ottawa: 10/14/21 (3-2); @ Toronto: 2/15/21 (6-5 OT) Last Toronto win: @ Ottawa: 4/16/22 (5-4 OT); @ Toronto: 1/1/22 (6-0) Last OT result: 4/16/22 (5-4 OT loss) @ Ottawa Last shootout: 1/21/17 (3-2 SO win) @ Toronto Most goals, game: Scored: 8, (3x, last: 4/3/08, 8-2 win); Allowed: 7, (2/18/21, 7-3 loss); Both teams: 11, (3x, last: 4/10/21, 6-5 loss) Last Game: 4/16/22, 5-4 OT loss @ Ottawa; OTT Goals: Stützle (x2), Del Zotto, Gambrell; TOR Goals: Marner (x2), Clifford, Bunting, Giordano; OTT Scratches: None; OTT Injuries: Chabot, Ennis, Joseph, Murray, Pinto, Sanderson, White*; OTT Goalie: Forsberg; TOR Goalie: Kallgren; OTT PP: 0-1; TOR PP: 0-2; Shots: 29-41. Career vs. Toronto: Giroux leads all players in career games played (41), in goals (15), in assists (26) and in points (41); Hamonic leads in penalty minutes (24) against Toronto. SWEATER WEATHER: The Senators enter their third season of wearing a primary logo which sees the organization return to its roots with the implementation of the modified original “2D” logo. The team has earned a 55-68-11 all-time record (0-1-0 this season) while wearing its current sweater. The Senators hold an all-time record of 112-75-7-25 when wearing an alternate; 27-19-2-5 when wearing a red alternate, 84-55-5-19 when wearing a black alternate and 1-1-0-1 when wearing a cream alternate. HOME ON THE RANGE: Ottawa earned a record of 15-22-4 at home last season … Josh Norris was the Senators leader with 16 goals at home while Brady Tkachuk ranked first with 20 assists at Canadian Tire Centre … In 41 home games, Tkachuk led the team with 34 points on home ice … The Senators earned a record of 14-10-4 at home through 28 home contests in 2020-21. ROAD SCHOLARS: The Senators have a record of 0-1-0 on the road this season … Tkachuk leads with one goal on the road this season while Drake Batherson and Erik Brannstrom rank first with one assist while the Senators serve as visitors … Through one road game this season, Batherson, Brannstrom and Tkachuk maintain the club lead with one point … The Senators registered an 18-20-3 record over 41 road contests in 2021-22. FRANCHISE RECORD: Ottawa has posted an all-time record of 1,004-983-115-176 over 2,278 games … The Senators are 548-435- 60-97 through 1,140 all-time home games and 456-548-55-79 through 1,138 all-time road games. BACK-TO-BACK GAMES: Ottawa will play back-to-back games on 12 occasions in 2022-23 and will do so for the first time on Dec. 2 when the team visits the N.Y. Rangers ahead of welcoming San Jose to Canadian Tire Centre the following evening … The Senators played 17 back-to-back sets last season and earned a record of 6-9-2 in the first half of contests on consecutive nights (0-0-0 this season) while posting an 8-8-1 record (0-0-0 this season) in the second half of games on consecutive days. ON THE POWER PLAY: The Senators are 0 for 4 (0.0%) on the power-play in 2022-23 … Last season, Norris was the team leader with 16 power-play goals while Tim Stützle earned the club lead with 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) while the team enjoyed a man advantage … Ottawa has yet to tally multiple power-play goals in an individual contest in 2022-23 after having done so 11 times in 2021-22. Ottawa Senators: Media Notes ON THE PENALTY KILL: Ottawa has overcome four of the four occasions the team has been shorthanded in 2022-23 to maintain an efficiency of 100.0% through one regular-season game … The team has yet to register a shorthanded marker this season after recording nine such goals in 2021-22. INDIVIDUAL NOTES COACH SMITH: D.J. Smith was introduced as the Senators’ 14th head coach in franchise history on 5/23/19. A native of Windsor, Ont., Smith spent the four previous NHL seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to joining the Maple Leafs (which was also the team for which he made his NHL playing debut in 1996-97), Smith guided the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals to a record of 135-53-3-13 over three campaigns which included his having been recognized as the OHL’s Coach of the Year in 2013-
One year later, he helped the team capture the Mastercard Memorial Cup. His 81 head coaching victories with Ottawa see him rank sixth in franchise history. SECOND SEASON AS CAPTAIN FOR CHUCKY: Two-time NHL All-Star Brady Tkachuk was appointed the 10th captain in Senators franchise history on 11/5/21. A native of St. Louis, Tkachuk succeeded Erik Karlsson who served in the role for four seasons from 2014- 15 to 2017-18. The bronze medal winner with Team U.S.A. at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship is the first American-born skater to serve as team captain. Tkachuk is assisted by full-time alternates Thomas Chabot and Claude Giroux. 1 FOR 85: By way of skating in Thursday’s 4-1 loss at Buffalo, Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson made his NHL debut after being drafted fifth-overall by the club in 2020. A native of Whitefish, Montana, the rearguard became the first native of the state to appear in an NHL contest while making his debut against the same team his father Geoff did, when as a member of the Hartford Whalers, he participated in the first of his 1,104 regular season games on 3/30/91. In skating in 22:21 time-on-ice (the second highest total on the club), he became one of nine players since 2013 to appear in at least 22 minutes during their first game while sporting the number 85 – the second player in franchise history to do so joining Vitaly Abramov who wore it for five regular season games from 2018-19 to 2020- 21. ALL-TIME LEADERS: Chris Phillips is the Senators’ all-time leader in games played (1,179) … Daniel Alfredsson leads in goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108) … Following Phillips is Alfredsson (1,178), Chris Neil (1,026), Wade Redden (838), Radek Bonk (689), Jason Spezza (686) and Mike Fisher (675) … Neil leads in penalty minutes (2,522) while Patrick Lalime holds the lead in shutouts (30) and ranks second (283) to Craig Anderson (435) in games played among goaltenders. Anderson leads in wins (202). MILESTONES WITHIN REACH: Batherson – Two points from 100 Chabot – 12 points from 200 Giroux – Six goals from 300 Holden – 10 games from 600 Norris – 10 points from 100 Talbot – Four games from 400 Tkachuk – Seven points from 200; Nine goals from 100 Stützle – 13 points from 100 Zaitsev – Two games from 400 HOW THE SENATORS WERE BUILT (24): Draft (7): Batherson, Chabot, Kastelic, Pinto, Sanderson, Stützle, Tkachuk Trade (10): Brannstrom, DeBrincat, Gambrell, Hamonic, Holden, Joseph, Norris, Talbot, Watson, Zaitsev Free Agency (5): Brassard, Giroux, Kelly, Motte, Zub Waivers (2): Forsberg, Hellberg B-SENS: The Belleville Senators (1-0-0, 2nd North Division) continue their sixth season in the American Hockey League when they host Laval this evening at 7:05 p.m. … Roby Jarventie, Jake Lucchini and Egor Sokolov hold the B-Sens scoring lead with two points each while five players hold the penalty minutes’ lead with two.
TONIGHT’S GAME 2022-23 Matchups vs. Montréal: First of Four 2021-22 Record vs. Montréal: 2-2-0 Toronto Season Record: 0-0-0 Toronto Road Record: 0-0-0 TONIGHT’S STORYLINES Toronto opens the 2022-23 season tonight against the Montréal Canadiens in the first of four matchups between the clubs this season. The Maple Leafs are 43-43-14-4 through 104 season openers. A total of 22 season opening games have been played against the Canadiens, with Toronto posting a 13-8-1 record. Only seven of those games have been played on the road (3-4). The last time the Maple Leafs opened their season on the road dates back to the 2017-18 season where Toronto captured a 7-2 win against Winnipeg. Toronto has won five consecutive season opening games. Toronto went 23-13-5 through 41 road games during the 2021-22 season. The Maple Leafs tied a franchise record with 23 road wins. Zach Aston-Reese, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel, Jordie Benn (LTIR), Calle Järnkrok, Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov are the Maple Leafs’ new additions entering tonight’s season opening game against the Canadiens. Denis Malgin re-joins Toronto after spending the last two seasons playing for the Lausanne HC and ZSC Lions (NLA). Malgin previously appeared in eight games with the Maple Leafs in 2019-20. 2021-22 HIGHLIGHTS The Maple Leafs set multiple franchise records during the 2021-22 regular season including:
Most points in a single season with 115.
Most wins in a single season with 54.
Most home wins in a single season with 31.
Tied the franchise record for most road wins in a single season with 23 (also recorded in 2003-04 and 2018-19). Toronto was one of only five NHL teams (CGY, COL, FLA, NSH, TOR) with three players or more with 80+ points (Matthews, Marner and Nylander) and the only team in the league with six players to hit 60 points (Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares, Rielly and Bunting). The Maple Leafs led the NHL with a 27.3% power play percentage. William Nylander led the team with 31 power play points (13G, 18A) while Auston Matthews paced the club in power play goals with 16. The club also led the league in shorthanded goals with 13. Mitch Marner led current Toronto skaters in shorthanded goals last season with three, an NHL career high. 11 different Toronto skaters set career-highs with the Maple Leafs last season including: Justin Holl in games played (69), goals (3), assists (20) and points (23). Alexander Kerfoot in games played (82), assists (38) and points (51). Mitch Marner in goals (35) and points (97). Auston Matthews in goals (60), power play goals (16), assists (46) and points (106). Timothy Liljegren in games played (61), goals (5), assists (18) and points (23). Morgan Rielly in assists (58). Rasmus Sandin in games played (51), goals (5), assists (11) and points (16). Pierre Engvall in games played (78), goals (15), assists (20) and points (35). Michael Bunting in games played (79), goals (23), assists (40) and points (63). David Kämpf in games played (82), goals (11), and points (26) while tying a career-high in assists (15). William Nylander in goals (34), power play goals (13), assists (46) and points (80). Along with recording career-highs in goals, assists and points, Auston Matthews set a new franchise record for the most goals scored in a single-season with 60, eclipsing Rick Vaive’s previous record of 54 on April 7th at DAL. Matthews won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award while also capturing the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s goal-scoring leader (60) for the second straight season. Toronto Maple Leafs: Media Notes Michael Bunting led all NHL rookies with 63 points, tied for second in goals (23) and ranked second in assists (40). The Scarborough, ON native recorded the third-most points (63) and second-most assists (40) by a rookie in franchise history. Bunting was nominated as a finalist for the Calder Trophy and named to the 2021-22 NHL All-Rookie Team. Morgan Rielly tied for fifth in assists (58) and tied for sixth in points (68) among league defencemen. With the second season of his NHL career surpassing 50 assists (the first dating back to 2018-19 where he recorded 52), Rielly became the third defenceman in Maple Leafs history to record multiple 50-assist seasons, joining Borje Salming (5x) and Ian Turnbull (2x). BROADCAST INFORMATION TV: Sportsnet RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The Fan NEXT GAME RECENT TRANSACTIONS October 10, 2022 The Maple Leafs assigned forwards Kyle Clifford, Adam Gaudette, Pontus Holmberg, Nick Robertson and Wayne Simmonds as well as defencemen Filip Král, Victor Mete and William Villeneuve to the Toronto Marlies (AHL). INJURY REPORT Jordie Benn Groin (LTIR) Carl Dahlström Shoulder (IR) Timothy Liljegren Hernia (LTIR) John Tavares Oblique (Day-to-Day) ALL-TIME VS. MONTRÉAL CANADIENS: First Matchup between Clubs: December 26, 1917 (Toronto 7 vs. Montréal 5) All-Time Record: 309-346-88-18 (761 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 196-129-45-10 (380 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 113-217-43-8 (381 Games) Last Road Win vs. Opponent: April 28, 2021 (Toronto 4 at Montréal 1) ACTIVE LEADERS VS. MONTRÉAL CANADIENS: Games Played: John Tavares (49), Morgan Rielly (40), Mark Giordano (35) Goals: Auston Matthews (22), John Tavares (18), William Nylander (12) Assists: John Tavares (24), Mitch Marner (23), Morgan Rielly (19) Points: John Tavares (42), Auston Matthews (34), Mitch Marner (27) Penalty Minutes Mark Giordano (26), John Tavares (22), William Nylander (12), Jake Muzzin (12)
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Date: Thursday, October 13, 2022 Opponent: vs. Washington Capitals Time: 7:30 pm ET Broadcast Information: TSN4 (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio) 2021-22 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO% Toronto .701 3.81 3.07 27.3% 82.1% 34.6 30.6 55.1% Montréal .335 2.66 3.87 13.7% 75.6% 29.8 34.4 49.2% THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2021-22 Power Play: 63/231 (27.3%) Power Play Goal Leader: 16 – Matthews Power Play Point Leader: 31 – Nylander (13G, 18A) 2020-21 Power Play: 31/155 (20.0%) ON THE PK IN 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 192/234 (82.1%) Shorthanded Goal Leader: 4 – Mikheyev Shorthanded Point Leader: 4 – Mikheyev (4G), Kämpf (2G, 2A), Marner (3G, 1A) 2020-21 Penalty Kill: 113/144 (78.5%) FAST FACTS Wednesday games 1st of 11 (8 home, 3 road) Back-to-Backs played 0 of 14 Record in first game of back-toback 0-0-0 Record in second game of back-toback 0-0-0 October games 1st of 10 (4 home, 6 road) UPCOMING MILESTONES Jordie Benn Five games away from 600 career NHL games Mark Giordano Seven assists away from 400 career NHL assists Auston Matthews Two assists away from 200 career NHL assists Denis Malgin Eight games away from 200 career NHL games played Matt Murray Four games away from 250 career NHL games played Jake Muzzin Seven points away from 300 career NHL points John Tavares One game away from 950 career NHL games played John Tavares Nine goals away from 400 career NHL goals John Tavares Five points away from 900 career NHL points HOW THE MAPLE LEAFS WERE BUILT Draft (7) Free Agent (12) Trade (4) 2018 – Sandin (29th overall) 2022 – Aston-Reese (Oct. 9) 2022- Murray (July 11) 2017 – Liljegren (17th overall) 2022 – Järnkrok (July 15) 2022 – Giordano (Mar. 20) 2016 – Matthews (1st overall) 2022 – Benn (July 14) 2019 – Kerfoot (July 1) 2015 – Marner (4th overall) 2022 – Samsonov (July 13) 2019 – Muzzin (Jan. 28) 2014 – Engvall (188th overall) 2022 – Malgin (July 13) 2014 – Nylander (8th overall) 2022 – Aubé-Kubel (July 13) 2012 – Rielly (5th overall) 2021 – Bunting (July 28) 2021 – Kämpf (July 28) 2021 – Dahlstrom (July 28) 2020 – Brodie (Oct. 9) 2018 – Tavares (July 1) 2016 – Holl (July 2) 5-on-5 CF% 59.71% – Matthews SAVE PERCENTAGE .914 – Campbell 2021-22 RECORD BY MONTH OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY HOME 3-1-1 6-2-0 3-1-0 4-0-0 3-1-0 AWAY 1-3-0 6-0-0 1-1-1 4-2-1 4-3-1 TOTAL 4-4-1 12-2-0 4-2-1 8-2-1 7-4-1 MARCH APRIL HOME 6-2-1 6-1-0 AWAY 2-3-0 5-1-2 TOTAL 8-5-1 11-2-2 2021-22 RECORD BY DAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 5-2-0 6-3-1 11-1-2 8-3-0 8-4-1 3-1-0 13-7-3 2021-22 SEASON SERIES RECORDS TEAM RECORD TEAM RECORD Anaheim Ducks 2-0-0 Nashville Predators 1-1-0 Arizona Coyotes 0-1-1 New Jersey Devils 3-0-0 Boston Bruins 3-0-0 New York Islanders 3-0-0 Buffalo Sabres 1-3-0 New York Rangers 1-1-1 Calgary Flames 1-1-0 Ottawa Senators 3-1-0 Carolina Hurricanes 2-1-0 Philadelphia Flyers 3-0-0 Chicago Blackhawks 2-0-0 Pittsburgh Penguins 1-2-0 Colorado Avalanche 1-0-1 San Jose Sharks 1-1-0 Columbus Blue Jackets 2-0-1 Seattle Kraken 2-0-0 Dallas Stars 2-0-0 St. Louis Blues 1-1-0 Detroit Red Wings 4-0-0 Tampa Bay Lightning 2-2-0 Edmonton Oilers 2-0-0 Vancouver Canucks 0-2-0 Florida Panthers 1-0-2 Vegas Golden Knights 2-0-0 Los Angeles Kings 1-1-0 Washington Capitals 3-0-0 Minnesota Wild 1-0-1 Winnipeg Jets 1-1-0 Montréal Canadiens 2-2-0 2021-22 GAME HIGHS CATEGORY HOME ROAD Most Goals, Game 3 – Matthews, Dec. 1 vs. COL, Jan. 31 vs. NJD, March 8 vs. SEA 4 – Marner, Feb. 26 at DET Most Assists, Game 4 – Rielly, Dec. 7 vs. CBJ 4 – Bunting, Feb. 26 at DET Most Points, Game 4 – Marner, Nov. 6 vs. BOS, (1G, 3A) – Rielly, Dec. 7 vs. CBJ (4A) – Matthews, Jan. 31 vs. NJD (3G, 1A) 6 – Marner, Feb. 26 at DET (4G, 2A) Most Shots, Game 8 – Matthews, Oct. 18 vs. NYR, Nov. 12 vs. CGY, Dec. 1 vs. COL, March 5 vs. VAN – Mikheyev, March 15 vs. DAL 12 – Matthews, April 7 at DAL Time on Ice, Game 27:58 – Rielly, Jan. 26 vs. ANA 27:41 – Rielly, Jan. 15 at STL Most Saves, Game 45 – Campbell, Feb. 17 vs. PIT 44 – Campbell, Jan. 8 at COL CATEGORY GAME PERIOD Most Goals, For 10 – Feb. 26 at DET 5 – 3rd, Jan. 29 at DET Most Goals, Against 8 – Apr. 21 at TBL 5 – 3rd, Feb. 26 at DET Most Shots, For 53 – Feb. 12 at VAN 25 – 3rd, Oct. 14 at OTT Most Shots, Against 49 – Jan. 8 at COL, April 5 at FLA 23 – 3rd, Nov. 6 vs. BOS Fewest Shots, For 18 – Jan. 11 at VGK 2 – 3rd, Jan. 11 at VGK Fewest Shots, Against 18 – Jan. 12 at ARI, Mar. 26 at MTL, April 7 at DAL
The view from left field 