Matthews was historically great, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch OUR FUTURE make the Sens look like pylons, especially on that incredible 2nd goal. I'm beyond words really . . . honestly, I was almost in tears last night after the third goal, thinking of all the pain we've endured as Leafs Nation, and now this guy from the desert is leading us to the promised land. Yes, that was cheesy, but it fits.
The negatives that are talked about . . . honestly, Andersen was rusty, but also made some huge saves too that I think many people are forgetting. Definitely two makeable saves he'd love to have back, but overall I'm not worried right now.
The real revelation to me - beside the whole, "I think Matthews will be great" turning into "I think Matthews might become an ALL-TIME Great!" - was Magical Mitch Marner. He. Is. Going. To. Be. A. Star. He really was dancing all over the place, was incredibly smart and savvy, and I was very impressed.
Nylander had instant chemistry it seems like with Matthews (they've played like, 5 games together now including preseason . . . that's fast!) and was also full value. Hyman was REALLY good. Man does Babcock look like a genius for putting that line together, a combination that not many of us thought of.
And the Sens played really well I thought - they survived an epic performance from Matthews, their goalie played very well (although I am sure Sens fans want him to save that 2nd Matthews goal) and Karlsson was a beast. So I think the Leafs would have all looked EVEN BETTER against a team playing more poorly . . .
It's a beautiful time to be a Leaf fan.
Feels good man.