It’s the splits for Maple Leafs goalies

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GRAVENHURST — Prepare for the nice divide of the Maple Leafs.

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With the season opener looming Wednesday, time to place the No. 1 and 1A plan to the check with Jack Campbell and newcomer Petr Mrazek. Whereas there was a palpable coolness between Frederik Andersen and people who challenged his top-dog standing, instances have modified with Campbell not fairly solidifying the job final 12 months then dropping within the playoffs, whereas Mrazek has his eyes on the prize, if he can present he’s prepared.

Thus far — together with this week’s Gravenhurst getaway — the duo have been buddy-buddy, put in the identical golf foursome, hanging round away from the rink, whereas their girlfriends have socialized. It’s helped they’re the identical age (29) and draft 12 months (1992).

It will seem Campbell will get the gig in opposition to Montreal, with a watch to how the wretched Recreation 7 of the playoffs ended in opposition to the Habs. Mrazek would then play the subsequent evening in Ottawa.

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“Jack did terrific work for us final 12 months and we’ve got terrific confidence in him,” stated coach Sheldon Keefe because the buses loaded for dwelling. “Now we have two very succesful guys and had been in a position so as to add to that division with Petr. I simply assume these guys will play off one another very properly this season.”

Keefe added Campbell will get the total journey in opposition to the Senators this Saturday within the remaining exhibition tune-up. Mrazek received a house recreation beneath his belt within the 6-2 win over the Canadiens Tuesday.

Veteran ahead Jason Spezza stated he’s picked up on the 2 keepers’ chemistry.

“They’re already speaking rather a lot about how they need to strategy practices. You encourage the opposite man when he’s enjoying and I feel there can be that dialogue via the season on totally different shooters. With 82 video games and how briskly the season occurs, you want two goalies who work properly collectively.

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“Figuring out Soupy’s persona, he will get together with all his companions and Pete I’ve heard nice issues about. I feel will probably be seamless for these guys.”

Mrazek took a name earlier within the week from Jiri Crha, his countryman and former Leafs stopper who was a pioneer for Czech netminders within the early Eighties. The latter heard Mrazek was honouring him on his new masks, a pleasant contact to the beginning of his Toronto tenure.

“I’ve loved the three days (in Muskoka) attending to know the blokes higher, being on the ice, spending the time on the (cruise) boat,” Mrazek stated. “Jack and I wish to help one another on and off the ice and have enjoyable collectively. Each goalie is totally different, however a very powerful stuff is to be mentally recent and prepared.”

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The numbers would help a Campbell — Mrazek Habs — Sens cut up subsequent week, Mrazek with a document of 7-1-2 and a .920 save proportion in opposition to Ottawa, whereas 5-3-2 in his profession versus Montreal at .911. Campbell, regardless of the late playoff letdown in opposition to Montreal, has a .934 common mark in opposition to them (5-1-2) in comparison with an .882 save proportion in profitable 4 of six video games.

Keefe stated this week’s swing north, transient because it was, achieved its objective of cramming in some camaraderie with what could be very near his remaining roster.

“I do assume you’re feeling one space you do begin to see it — although you received’t actually know the outcomes till we get again dwelling — is little issues like who’s consuming collectively who weren’t beforehand.

“Issues like that you simply monitor and even simply the interactions in apply. There’s just a little extra banter backwards and forwards, much more speaking. These are what you search for as you notice your staff is getting nearer.”

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Auston Matthews needs to be able to play by Wednesday, with the plan to not push his wrist surgical procedure restoration on Saturday. William Nylander, who didn’t come to Gravenhurst as he wasn’t absolutely vaccinated, will play the ultimate pre-season match. Three or 4 cuts stay.

WHO KNEW BOATING COULD BE SO MUCH FUN?

A ship load of Maple Leafs can entice consideration on the water up right here.

As a team-themed cruise received underway Thursday afternoon on Lake Muskoka, phrase received out.

“It was fairly humorous,” stated winger Mitch Marner. “We had a few folks with their boats on the market doing donuts, water ski-ing, doing plenty of stuff. There was fairly good electrical energy on the market, watching them do stuff.”

Marner stated the cruise additional aided the get-to-know-you facet of the staff’s three-day journey.

“It was nice to bond over what we did in the summertime. Within the villas, you’re staying with guys you don’t know properly.”

Wednesday’s golf event at Muskoka Bay was additionally revealing for Marner, at the very least the wardrobes of European gamers reminiscent of Petr Mrazek.

“I don’t know what it’s about these Euro guys. They costume the half, they seem like they’re going on the market to shoot 60. Freddy (Andersen) was in all probability the best-looking dresser (previous to this 12 months), however he backed it up together with his recreation.”