Leafs seeking right stuff in goal
Get ready for the great divide of the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the season opener looming Wednesday, time to put the No. 1 and 1A plan to the test with Jack Campbell and newcomer Petr Mrazek. While there was a palpable coolness between Frederik Andersen and those who challenged his top dog status, times have changed with Campbell not quite solidifying the job last year then losing in the playoffs, while Mrazek has his eyes on the prize, if he can show he’s ready.
Up to now — including this week’s Gravenhurst getaway — the duo have been buddy-buddy, put in the same golf foursome, hanging around away from the rink, while their girlfriends have socialized. It’s helped they’re the same age (29) and draft year (1992).
It would appear Campbell gets the gig against Montreal, with an eye toward how the wretched Game 7 of the playoffs ended against the Habs. Mrazek would then play the next night in Ottawa.
“Jack did terrific work for us last year and we have terrific confidence in him,” said coach Sheldon Keefe as the buses loaded for home. “We have two very capable guys and were able to add to that department with Petr. I just think those guys will play off each other very well this season.”
Keefe added Campbell gets the full ride against the Senators this Saturday in the final exhibition tune-up. Mrazek got a home game under his belt in the 6-2 win over the Canadiens on Tuesday.
Veteran forward Jason Spezza said he’s picked up on the two keepers’ chemistry.
“They’re already talking a lot about how they want to approach practices. You encourage the other guy when he’s playing and I think there will be that dialogue through the season on different shooters. With 82 games and how fast the season happens, you need two goalies who work well together.
“Knowing Soupy’s personality, he gets along with all his partners and Pete I’ve heard great things about. I think it will be seamless for those guys.”
Mrazek took a call earlier in the week from Jiri Crha, his countryman and former Leafs stopper who was a pioneer for Czech netminders in the early 1980s. The latter heard Mrazek was honouring him on his new mask, a nice touch to the start of his Toronto tenure.
“I’ve enjoyed the three days (in Muskoka) getting to know the guys better, being on the ice, spending the time on the (cruise) boat,” Mrazek said. “Jack and I are looking to support each other on and off the ice and have fun together. Every goalie is different, but the most important stuff is to be mentally fresh and ready.”
The numbers would support a Campbell-mrazek Habs/sens split next week, Mrazek with a record of 7-1-2 and a .920 save percentage against Ottawa, while 5-3-2 in his career versus Montreal at .911.
Campbell, despite the late playoff letdown against Montreal, has a .934 regular mark against them (5-1-2) compared to an .882 save percentage in winning four of six games.
Keefe said this week’s swing north, as brief as it was, accomplished its goal of cramming in some camaraderie with what is very close to his final roster.
“I do think you feel one area you do start to see it — though you won’t really know the results until we get back home — is little things like who’s eating together who weren’t previously.
“Things like that you monitor and even just the interactions in practice. There’s a little more banter back and forth, a lot more talking. Those are what you look for as you realize your team is getting closer.”
Auston Matthews should be ready to play by Wednesday, with the plan not to push his wrist surgery recovery on Saturday. William Nylander, who didn’t come to Gravenhurst as he wasn’t fully vaccinated, will play the final pre-season match. Three or four cuts remain.
YOU NEED TWO GOALIES WHO WORK WELL TOGETHER.