The Battle of Ontario

Toronto comes into game two on a small high. After defeating their long time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, the Maple Leafs are now facing another rival.

Ottawa is playing their second game in as many nights. Although they lost 5-3 to Detroit last night, they were down 5-0 going into the third period. Ottawa is a very young and inexperienced team. If they want to compete tonight, goaltender Craig Anderson will have to steal this game.

If the Leafs want success tonight again, they must control the play, as they did in the 2nd and 3rd periods against Montreal. Their PK must also be rock solid and James Reimer will have to make timely saves.

David Steckel must be a faceoff beast again. If he can win 70% of the draws he takes, the Leafs will be in vastly good shape. The one great thing I noticed was Steckels ability to take a faceoff in his own zone with the Kessel line, win it, then go a take a quick change allowing Bozak to get on the ice. Great hockey.

The Leafs power play had decent chances last game, but they need to start scoring. Special teams is a crucial factor in this league.

The Grabovski line must have another big day. Although they did not record a goal, they created multiple chances, and controlled the play when they were on the ice.

Dion Phaneuf, who had a fantastic opening game, must start to get shots on goal during the PP. He scored a lovely goal on a one timer from Phil Kessel. Phaneuf appears to be in mid-season form, as for the first time in a long while, he went a full game without a major defensive mistake. He must keep this play up all season.

Overall, I expect a win tonight. Yes, this is the NHL and anyone can beat anyone; but nothing less than a win tonight is acceptable. The Sens will be a bottom dweller this year. The Leafs need to take full advantage and take these two points.

My prediction: 5-2 Leafs. Grabovski, Phaneuf, Kessel (2) and Kulemin, while Spezza tallies two for Ottawa.