Leafs and Habs Renew Rivalry in Opener

The Maple Leafs and Canadiens opened the season strong in Toronto.  It was an intense game, looking like a game played late in the season, as opposed to this contest between two teams with empty records.

The Leafs are clearly a new team.  Now sporting a roster filled with players brought in by Brian Burke the Leafs continued the preseason-style of physical play.  The Habs didn’t shy away from the rough stuff.  Checks were finished and invitations to drop the gloves were accepted.

Colton Orr and Georges Laraque were the first players to pick up fighting majors this year.  The heavyweights squared off less than two minutes into the game.

Travis Moen was the most active player tonight.  He took on Jay Rosehill and Mike Komisarek.  He also had a goal (assisted by Glen Metropolit and Laraque).

The Truculant Leafs weren’t able to hold on for the win.  With less than five minutes remaining Metropolit tied up the game.  Josh Gorges then scored for the Canadiens with just 13 seconds remaining in overtime.

Elsewhere

John Erskine went with Shawn Thornton in Boston.  I hope Erskine rested well in the summer, he’s clearly the toughest man on the Caps’ current roster.

Jody Shelley and David Koci had a quick scrap in Colorado.

The Flames and Canucks played a chippy game, but nothing ever escalated into majors.

End of an era?

Brendan Shanahan was cut by the Devils and left the team.  Initial reaction was that he’d retire, but nothing is certain yet.

Videos added

Jody Shelley vs David Koci Oct 1, 2009
John Erskine vs Shawn Thornton Oct 1, 2009
Travis Moen vs Michael Komisarek Oct 1, 2009
Travis Moen vs Jay Rosehill Oct 1, 2009
Georges Laraque vs Colton Orr Oct 1, 2009

Some reads

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