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 | Tonight’s game in our nation’s capital wasn’t on this season’s original NHL schedule. This was the make-up game that was rescheduled from Oct 22nd, when Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while guarding the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. The theme tonight was “Canada Strong”, and both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators showed unity earlier in the day by visiting the National War Memorial together, with both team captains placing wreaths in honour of Cpl. Cirillo. | | Windsor - November 9, 2014 - Tonight’s game in our nation’s capital wasn’t on this season’s original NHL schedule. This was the make-up game that was rescheduled from Oct 22nd, when Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while guarding the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. The theme tonight was “Canada Strong”, and both the Leafs and Senators showed unity earlier in the day by visiting the National War Memorial together, with both team captains placing wreaths in honour of Cpl. Cirillo.
Tonight’s game marked the 100th regular season meeting of the Leafs and Sens, and the Sens scored first. Mike Hoffman took advantage of a failed clearing attempt by Leafs defenseman Morgan Reilly and put the puck past Leafs starting goalie James Reimer, marking the fourth game in a row where the Leafs have given up the opening goal. From then it was a see-saw battle with the teams exchanging the next five goals. Peter Holland scored the Leafs second goal, which was followed by goals from Kyle Turris (OTT), James van Riemsdyk (TOR), Mark Stone (OTT), and Josh Leivo (TOR).
Late in the second period, Mike Santorelli gave the Leafs the lead for the first time with a beautiful shorthanded goal assisted by Peter Holland. Then, about six minutes into the third period, Leafs forward David Clarkson tipped in a Morgan Reilly point shot, making it 5-3, and giving the large contingent of Leafs fans another reason to cheer.
Random Game Notes
Starting Reimer was a no brainer. Going into tonight’s game he had a record of 7-1 in Ottawa.
The “Ref Cam” worn by linesman Brad Lazarowich offered some really great views of the game, especially in the face-off circles.
Senators goalie Robin Lehner absolutely robbed Phil Kessel with a stick save that will surely be on every highlight package for the next week. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and Google it.
Leafs goalie James Reimer continued to shut the door in the third period. Going into tonight’s game, Reimer led the league with a .984 SV% in the third period.
The three stars tonight, as selected by various member of Burnaby B.C.’s junior hockey teams were:
1/ Mike Santorelli
2/ Kyle Turris
3/ Peter Holland
Leafs win the first round of The Battle Of Ontario, but tonight it really wasn’t about hockey. Let’s not forget why tonight’s game had to be rescheduled in the first place.
Say a prayer for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and his family and friends.
And on Remembrance Day, when you see a Veteran, say thank you.
TC out
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