It’s been two years, three months and two days since the Toronto Maple Leafs called Dennis Hildeby’s name at the 2022 NHL Draft, and after all of that time, his NHL debut was nothing short of a success, getting the win in a 4-2 decision.
The Leafs’ start wasn’t pretty as turnovers kept them in their own end, but the bottom six got them heading in the right decision with heavy play. The team saw goals from Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann and Steven Lorentz on eight shots. The Devils could only manage to score late-period goals — a problem in itself — as the Leafs and Hildeby stopped most of their five-on-five chances.
Special teams continued to be an issue for the Leafs two games into the season. Although the Devils only managed one goal on five opportunities, the Leafs couldn’t score or generate many chances. The second power play, in particular, reeked of last year’s complacency as the top unit couldn’t get into the zone in the opening 30 seconds.
The team did a good job spending as little time in their end as possible and Hildeby was sharp whenever they had any looks of consequence. Tonight’s game was a step in the right direction, an effort worthy of a B+. Now onto the report cards.
Player grades
Steven Lorentz: A+
The star of the bottom six and arguably the team’s best player by a mile. Lorentz proved that his jump against the Canadiens on opening night is part of his DNA. The physicality and intensity were expected, but it took me by surprise how unafraid he is to skate with the puck through defenders instead of consistently trying to put it behind them. He made some good reads in the neutral zone and was awarded for the full package with his first of the season.
STEVEN LORENTZ 🚨
BACKHAND BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/WizDlBHu2r
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) October 10, 2024
Dennis Hildeby: A+
Not bad for a first game. Hildeby had some shaky moments in the first trying to find and cover loose pucks, but he found himself as the game went on. His first save on Dawson Mercer was a doozy with that rolling puck, and he made better stops on Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. The second period was a challenge as he didn’t have to make a save until the 7-minute mark of the second, yet he didn’t lose that focus.
Matthew Knies: A
He wasn’t lying when he said he wanted to get stronger over the summer. Knies’ strength with the puck was always one of his better qualities, but his strength to get the puck back has shown clear signs of improvement. Games like this are going to solidify him as a go-to penalty killer.
Nick Robertson: A
The chemistry Robertson had with Pacioretty is looking as if it could be something special. Both players move their feet well and Robertson was quick on and with the puck through the middle and on the forecheck. He was right in the thick of things and although he’s not getting the goals himself, he’s creating chances for his linemates.
Max Pacioretty: A
The first Leafs goal of the season goes to the player who was hoping for a good start. Second and third chances off initial shots paid off for the Leafs and Pacioretty managed to capitalize on the chaos in front of Jacob Markstrom.
Robertson and Pacioretty were a duo on this one pic.twitter.com/BFzaKnAI7z
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) October 10, 2024
Chris Tanev: A
For a player who prides himself on not being noticed, Tanev is so noticeable for how easy he makes puck retrievals and zone exits look. He settles any puck with ease, moves it quickly, and makes smart decisions with it when he gets it back.
Morgan Rielly: A
The pair looks strong. Rielly has the confidence and trust to jump as a fourth option up front and the way he and Tanev move the puck together in their own zone is pretty effective.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson: A
Perhaps it’s because the team hasn’t had much of it over the years, but Ekman-Larsson spends a lot of time clearing bodies from the front of the net. Additionally, his willingness to throw pucks on net contributed to the chaos Markstrom was facing most of the night.
Jake McCabe: A
Led the way with six blocked shots and is looking steady with Ekman-Larsson on the right side.
Bobby McMann: A
Coach Craig Berube made it clear what kind of game he wanted McMann to play this season and he matched it. He was the first on loose pucks the majority of his shifts on the fourth line, one of which resulted in his first of the season. The long shot tripped Markstrom up a bit but McMann put himself in a good position closing the puck off on the wall for a quick passing play with McCabe.
Max Domi: B
Won the race and battle for the puck to get a primary on Tavares’ goal.
Conor Timmins: B
Penalties aside, Timmins is playing some fine hockey, and he’s still putting points up with a secondary assist on the first goal.
Simon Benoit: B
Like McCabe, Benoit had a block-heavy game with five but found himself in trouble penalty-wise and from some bad luck as Timo Meier’s goal began with his stick blowing up at the offensive blue line.
David Kämpf: B
McMann and Lorentz are helping Kämpf get more touches in those danger zones. Markstrom helped it along, but now he has a point to his name.
Auston Matthews: B-
The captain hit another post as he’s looking for his first of the season. His line went head to head with the Hughes line so there weren’t many chances going their way, and the chances that did weren’t too dangerous.
Mitch Marner: B-
Not much going on at five-on-five, but he made some good reads on the penalty kill, especially the one late in the third.
Pontus Holmberg: B-
The third-line center took a bump tonight on the penalty kill as he had a chance to clear the puck instead of sending it right to Jesper Bratt for the goal. With how many penalties the team took, he had opportunities to make up for it, including standing in the way of Hamilton’s slap shot in the second period.
John Tavares: C+
It was a relatively quiet game for Tavares until he scored a goal of his own going against the grain on Markstrom to make it 4-1.
JOHN TAVARES 🚨
It’s 4-1 Leafs as he scores his first pic.twitter.com/VreyUbhZSL
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) October 11, 2024
William Nylander: C-
The quietest of the Leafs’ top six. His only shot of the game came in the second period taking it to the crease on Markstrom. On the negative side, Nylander was beat as the last man back on the power play leading to a short-handed chance for the Devils. An extra inch and it could’ve beaten Hildey.
Game score
What’s next for the Leafs?
It’s the Leafs’ turn to have their home opener as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET.
(Photo: Ed Mulholland / Imagn Images)
