Max Pacioretty Makes Immediate Impact: Five Observations from the Maple Leafs’ Preseason Overtime Loss Against the Ottawa Senators
The Leafs forced overtime after overcoming 3-1 and 5-4 deficits in the third period, but ultimately fell to the Senators 6-5 in their preseason opener.
The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their preseason with a 6-5 overtime loss against the Ottawa Senators, showing resilience in the third period as they fell behind 3-1 after 40 minutes of play and pushing the game to an extra frame. Both teams used the game to shake off rust and showcase new faces, potential line combinations, and defensive pairings as players vie for roster spots.
Here are five key observations from the Leafs’ preseason opener:
Max Pacioretty Makes an Impact, Scores Two Goals, and Adds an Assist
What year is this? Forward Max Pacioretty has been a player to watch as training camp opened up this past week. The 35-year-old joined the club on a Professional Tryout (PTO) as he seeks to earn a contract at the conclusion of preseason action. Well, he’s off to a sensational start. Pacioretty scored not one, but two goals in the Leafs’ preseason opener at Scotiabank Arena. The former first-round pick added a secondary assist on the William Nylander game-tying goal that sent the game to overtime.
Pacioretty’s first goal was a deflection off the tape of Rielly, before burying a wrist shot of his own. He was all over the ice on Sunday and seemingly found his legs while keeping up with the pace of play. He finished with six shots on net and proved to be a dependable forward option when called on.
Pacioretty looks determined to earn a contract by the end of the preseason.
Chris Tanev Gets on Scoresheet Twice, Oliver Ekman-Larsson Shows Glimpses of Offensive Upside
Chris Tanev, a key offseason acquisition for the Leafs, made his debut and didn’t disappoint. Known for his defensive prowess, Tanev logged the second-most ice time on the team (21:27), recording four blocked shots. However, it was his offensive contributions that stood out, as he contributed to two goals, notching two assists. Paired with Morgan Rielly, the duo combined for three points and led the team in ice time.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, another notable addition, also made his Leafs debut. Paired with Jake McCabe, Ekman-Larsson showcased his puck-moving skills, recording two shots on goal while joining the rush frequently. He quarterbacked the second power-play unit, though they were unable to convert. The 33-year-old logged significant ice time (20:18), ranking fourth behind Rielly, Tanev, and McCabe.
Joseph Woll Stands Tall in Opening Frame, Murray Allows Three in First NHL Appearance Since 2022-23 Season
The Leafs stumbled out of the gate, being outshot 14-1 in the first period while giving Ottawa three powerplay opportunities. Joseph Woll, however, kept them in the game, stopping 13 of 14 shots in the opening frame. His strong play prevented Ottawa from extending their early lead and though the damage was limited, it could have been worsened had Woll not been as sharp in the first 20 minutes.
As head coach Craig Berube referenced Sunday morning, Woll and Matt Murray would split the game equally in half. The 26-year-old stayed in the crease for 31 minutes, stopping 20 of 23 shots faced, earning a .870 save percentage in his 2024 preseason debut.
Murray entered the game midway through the second period, holding the Senators scoreless until the third. After the Leafs had battled their way back, overcoming a 3-1 deficit and taking their first lead of the game (4-3), the Senators beat Murray twice in the final frame to regain a 5-4 advantage before beating him once more in overtime, winning 6-5. The 30-year-old stopped eight of 11 shots, posting a .727 save percentage. Using the preseason to get some reps returning from injury, game action was certainly the priority on Sunday.
William Nylander’s First Game Back at Center
William Nylander was back up the middle on Sunday, appearing at the center position for the first time in a calendar year. Playing primarily winger in his time in the NHL, he had some lapses where he reverted to the sides of the ice rather than up the middle. He didn’t necessarily look out of place, but he wasn’t spectacular at the position in his 2024 preseason debut at center.
This project will take time and he has a runway with it. The Swede won four draws on Sunday while recording seven shots on goal in 18:55 of total ice time. As a centerman, the defensive game, especially in your own end is a major part of the duty. It will take time to adjust.
However, the 28-year-old was rather physical in the preseason opener and was aggressive on the puck – he played rather gritty. He recorded a goal, scoring the game-tying blow in the dying seconds of the third period. Overall, he had various chances from taking the puck to the net and creating scoring chances. The habits at center will be different than at wing, and he looked to be adjusting that on Sunday.
Nylander was also on the receiving end of friendly fire to his right hand, after a shot from teammate Calle Jarnkrok caught him in front of the net – but he would stay in the game.
Easton Cowan and Nikita Grebenkin Have Good Showings
Easton Cowan has been the talk of the town ahead of training camp this fall. After an outstanding junior year with the London Knights in the 2023-24 season, it was believed he had a strong chance to make the NHL club out of camp.
In the preseason opener, he recorded an assist and a lone hit through 13:30 of total ice time, split between time with Jacob Quillan/Ryan Reaves on the fourth line and John Tavares/Pacioretty on the third line in the final period. Cowan made an impression and showed flashes, and while solid, it didn’t steal the spotlight from Nikita Grebenkin – who came to play on Sunday.
Grebenkin has quickly become a fan favorite. Despite playing just 11:09 against the Senators, his physical presence became known. The former fifth-round pick started on the third line and flipped with Cowan, giving Berube and the Leafs a couple of different looks. In the third period, he made his stamp on the game, dropping the gloves with former Marlies forward Adam Gaudette. Immediately following the fight, he swung his arms up in the arm – hyping up the Toronto crowd.
Berube said yesterday: "He has been very noticeable to me. He is a big, strong kid, first & foremost. He is intelligent & has a good hockey IQ. He is not afraid to take the body. Good skill."
Upon his return to the bench, Nick Barden of The Hockey News - Toronto reports that Grebenkin earned a fist pump from his head coach and former NHL enforcer. Grebenkin led the team in hits with 4.
Another positive from the Leafs’ preseason opener was that the club managed to capitalize on the powerplay, as Auston Matthews tied the game with the man advantage in the third period. Overall the Leafs held a faceoff percentage of 58.1% winning 36 draws, outhit the Senators 25-18, and outshot their opponents 37-34.
The next Leafs preseason game is on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. in Ottawa at Canadian Tire Centre.
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