The Sens opened up the preseason schedule in Toronto tonight and at times, looked like a team that hadn't played a hockey game in a few months.
The Leafs were the better team for the majority of the night and a sloppy Senators team struggled to find their skating legs in the opener Not the best start but it sure was nice to sit down to watch a hockey game!
One of the things the coaching staff will be watching for during the preseason will be how guys like Jared Cowen and David Rundblad adjust to the NHL game. Well through one preseason game, advantage Jared Cowen.
While Rundblad looked nervous at times during his first preseason tilt, Cowen was best Senator on the ice. He was physical, he handled the puck well and contributed at both ends of the ice.
The two goals and the fight are a great way to get noticed in the preseason. Lot of time to go but he looks like a lock to make the team this year.
While it's normal to watch the rookies a little closer in preseason, this was an excellent first showing from Erik Karlsson. His puck possession game was in mid-season form and was among the best players on the ice for either team. That is a great sign for this team moving forward.
Liked the game of Nikita Filatov too. Contributed to the offence with a couple assists and showed good speed in his first game as a Senator.
It obviously wasn't all good news as Patrick Wiercioch had a game to forget. He had a handful of awful giveaways and just didn't seem to have his skating legs from the get go. He is a longshot to make the team to begin with but efforts like the one he had tonight certainly wont help his cause.
Michalek left the game with an injury late in the third period. According to Garrioch, MacLean indicated that he blocked a shot and should be fine.
The Sens now head home to play their first home game against the defending Stanely Cup Champion Boston Bruins.
