New additions already paying dividends for Leafs

During every off season, EHE teams make changes via the draft, trades, and free agency hoping to improve their roster.  In game 1 of the 2018-19 season the Toronto Maple Leafs are already seeing their off season acquisitions contribute.  In their season opener the Leafs treated the home town faithful to a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers.

In the win newly acquired forwards Michael Frolik and T.J. Oshie each added a goal with Frolik's goal putting the Leafs ahead 3-2 late in the 3rd period.  Oshie's goal was an empty netter but the 32-year-old who was signed as a free agent assisted on Barkov's first goal of the season in the 2nd period.  

In the recent trade with the Chicago Blackhawks newly acquired defenseman Nikita Zaitsev assisted on Oshie's 3rd period empty net goal.  Nick Bjugstad, also acquired in the trade with the Blackhawks contributed with a stellar performance in the faceoff circle winning 10 of 17 faceoffs.  

In his first game as head coach of the Maple Leafs recenlty signed head coach Willie Desjardins had this to say after the win.  "I liked what I saw out there tonight.  I expect this type of effort each and every game from our players.  We do expect to hit the occassional bump in the road but if we want to make the playoffs we will have to rebound immediately.  For now let's enjoy tonight's win," said the 61-year-old head coach.

The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Winnipeg Jets in their first away game of the young season.