Overview
- The Maple Leafs fell 3-2 to the Ottawa Senators and are 1-2-0 after Saturday's game, marking a slow offensive start for the retooled roster.
- Kirill Marchenko opened his Toronto account in the loss but apologized for a high-sticking penalty on Tim Stützle that led to Ottawa’s go-ahead goal.
- Jim Hiller kept his top combinations together during Monday’s practice, leaving Auston Matthews with Marchenko and Jack Roslovic and John Tavares with rookie Gavin McKenna and William Nylander.
- Gavin McKenna remains without a point through three games yet teammates and coaches publicly defended him while some commentators pointed to worrying early metrics for John Tavares.
- Special teams have been a bright spot with the penalty kill a perfect 10-for-10 and the club heads into a demanding road stretch that will test its depth and chemistry.