A Monster Debut for Gustvasson
(KITCHENER, ON) – Even though it’s the Labour Day weekend, the hockey season has begun for the hopefuls of the Blue and White.
The Leafs kicked off the Rookie Tournament in Kitchener on Sunday night with a 3-1 victory against the youngsters of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The game marked the much anticipated debut of goaltender Jonas Gustavsson in a Toronto uniform. The 24 year old rookie did not disappoint, making 36 saves.
Viktor Stalberg had the loan goal of the first period for Toronto. The Leafs fifth pick in the 2006 draft, tapped home a pass from Tyler Bozak on the wide open side of the net, during a 5-on-3 advantage, with no chance for Pens netminder Patrick Killeen. Richard Greenop made his presence felt when dropped the gloves and tangled with Ryan Schnell.
Gustavsson remained solid in a scoreless second period, where the Pens held the shots advantage.
Midway through the third period, the Pens found a way to solve Gustavsson when Joe Vitale was able to get his stick on a shot, and tip it through the legs of the Leafs goaltender to make it a 1-1 game. With just under three minutes left in regulation, Greg Scott took a snap shot from the low circle on the right wing that hit Killeen in the mask. The puck dropped between his feet and rolled into the goal for the game winner. Alex Berry sealed the win with an empty net goal from centre ice with 32 seconds left.
The Leafs will face the Boston Bruins on Monday afternoon at 2pm in their next game of the tournament.
Seems like there were many positives from tonight's game which is a good sign. Always nice to get the first game under your belt.
Hopefully the prospects can build on early success and carry it through the tournament.
I'll be heading to Wednesday and Thursday's 7:00pm games.
