Nick Robertson Shouldn't Be Going Anywhere, Anthony Stolarz Makes the Case For Opening Night Starter and Other Observations in Maple Leafs Win Against Red Wings
Robertson elevates his game and has done enough to earn a spot out of training camp.
Nick Robertson came into Toronto Maple Leafs training camp by putting an end to his trade request and signed a one-year contract. Now he's undoubtedly deserved to be in the club's opening night lineup.
Robertson scored both of Toronto's goals and is responsible for his club's last five pre-season tallies as the Leafs defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-0 in pre-season action on Thursday.
The 23-year-old forward got things started on the power play against a Red Wings club that will likely resemble their season-opening lineup. Robertson's shot beat Detroit goalie Cam Talbot.
In the third period, Robertson scored his second of the game. A nifty deke past Talbot after getting the feed from Max Pacioretty.
Robertson is responsible for Toronto's last five pre-season goals, which have occurred over the last three contests. But what will likely impress Maple Leaf coach Craig Berube about the forward's game was his defensive play.
Earlier in the shift where he scored his second tally, Robertson turned on the jets to help eliminate a Red Wings threat by backchecking to get to Detroit's Alex DeBrincat.
If Robertson is in the opening lineup next week against the Montreal Canadiens, it will mark the first time that Robertson will play in Game 1 after previous years in which he was called up later on.
Given his performance, the Leafs could ill afford to put Robertson through waivers as he'd surely be claimed. But if he can continue to contribute offensively while showing good defensively responsibility like he did on Thursday, there's no moving him.
Stolarz flashes leather, pitches shutout
Anthony Stolarz looked like he was having fun out on the ice.
In the first period, he made a windmill save on former Florida Panthers teammate Vladimir Tarasenko. Stolarz let out a big smile to the skilled russian forward afterwards.
In the third period, Stolarz did it again.
In 160 minutes of pre-season action, Stolarz has only allowed two goals and has posted a save percentage of .964 in three games. Compare that to Joseph Woll who has only played in half of one game during the pre-season.
It's expected that Woll would see action in the final pre-season game but we'll see what happens.
But right now the Leafs signing of Stolarz to a two-year, $5 million contract is looking good for Toronto.
Where does Timothy Liljegren fit with the Leafs?
To say Liljegren's camp has been underwhelming has been an understatement. Despite struggling for most of last season, the Leafs extended the Swedish defenseman with a two-year deal worth $6 million total. Over the last week, they moved the right-shot defenseman to the fourth pair and Conor Timmins appears to be getting more reps with Simon Benoit. Meanwhile, Marshall Rifai's stock with the Leafs is increasing.
Liljegren was the most experienced defenseman in the lineup and he didn't look like it out there. It's not to say he was particularly bad, either. But as the Leafs look to trim their cap, it's hard to see why he deserves a shot over anyone else come opening night.
There is still one more game. On Saturday at home, the Red Wings and you could bet anything he'll be given one last chance.
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