September 21, 2009.
Nazem Kadri is making a strong case to stay in the NHL with the Maple Leafs after scoring the game tying goal late in the third period, as well as the shootout winner during Toronto's game against the Penguins. The Leafs came back after trailing 2-0 by the end of the first, to win 3-2 in a shootout Tuesday night to defeat the Crosby-less Pittsburgh team. Despite a sloppy first period by Toronto, the Penguins could not muster any more goals to extend their lead, giving Toronto the opportunity to post the comeback. Goal scorers Viktor Stalberg and Nazem Kadri are trying to make the Toronto Maple Leafs team this camp, and avoid being sent back to the Toronto Marlies, or in Kadri's case, the London Knights of the OHL.
With the great play of fellow youngsters Christian Hanson, and Tyler Bozak, the kid Leafs were able to make a strong impression on the coaching staff and Maple Leafs management. There is no doubt that this team is becoming younger, and stronger, and faster, and the teams' 4-1 pre-season record reflects that. But although these youngsters are in fact the best players on the team this pre-season, there just may not be enough roster space for all of them: especially with Brian Burke's two scoring lines and two grinding lines system.
Notes: Jamal Mayers was injured in the first period after being hit by Pittsburgh's Tim Wallace, and he did not return to the game. Watching the game from the press box was newly acquired winger Phil Kessel; the Maple Leafs and the rookies have four pre-season games left, so any impressions they would like to make will have to be made soon. Jonas Gustavsson is to play before the pre-season is over. The Leafs are in Buffalo next to play the Sabres. More people attended the Maple Leafs game tonight than the Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre.
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