Ondrej Kase combines physical play with timely goals for the Leafs

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When the Maple Leafs signed Ondrej Kase in July, it was thought that he could eventually turn into a steal if the forward could keep his health intact.

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We’re looking at that now, 16 games in the 2021-22 season.

Not only has Kase scored in three straight games for the second time in his career in the National Hockey League, but the 26-year-old is giving the Leafs a robust flavor every time he steps over the boards.

“You can see his confidence continues to grow and he’s probably comfortable within the system, within the team,” Leafs captain John Tavares said.

“He’s starting to get a good idea of ​​how we play. He is very skilled with the puck, he has a very good shot, a good throw.

“He’s competing extremely hard, he’s winning a lot of 50-50 records, he’s putting pressure on the opponent and that’s creating time and space for him. He’s contributing big. “

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Before the Leafs played at Buffalo on Saturday night, Kase said he felt he had been better in the previous seven games with his timing and overall comfort level.
Although coach Sheldon Keefe wasn’t thrilled with the way his forwards performed against the Sabers, with the exception of David Kampf’s line between Pierre Engvall and Alex Kerfoot, Kase scored his fourth goal of the season in the second period of the Leafs. 5-4 win. The only other time Kase scored in three straight games in the NHL was in December 2017 when he was a member of the Anaheim Ducks.

Kase played in just three games for the Boston Bruins last season due to concussion issues and was not rated by the club in the offseason.

Kase’s $ 1.25 million, one-year contract with the Leafs is turning out to be a bargain for the team.

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At the other end of the spectrum is winger Nick Ritchie, who continues to contribute little.

Like Kase, Ritchie was not classified by the Bruins despite scoring 15 goals for Boston in 2020-21.

When Morgan Rielly scored the winning goal at Buffalo, it left two Leafs who have played in all 16 games, Ritchie and defender TJ Brodie, without a goal.
Brodie is not paid to score. Ritchie, who landed a two-year, $ 5 million deal with the Leafs, is not paid to fill the net in every game. But a goal or three by now would have been nice, right?

Instead, Ritchie has been on the ice for just one Toronto goal at five-on-five, and it hasn’t made an impact even as Keefe has given the 25-year-old chances with the Leafs’ best forwards and in the game of can. .

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Ritchie has two assists. Considering your salary, that’s not good enough.

A LONGER LOOK FOR WOLL?

We’re curious to see what the Leafs do with Joseph Woll following his 23-save win in his NHL debut at Buffalo.

With Petr Mrazek continuing with a groin injury and not expected to return anytime soon, are the Leafs sticking with Woll as a backup for Jack Campbell, or are they calling up Michael Hutchinson or Erik Kallgren from the Toronto Marlies and returning Woll to the club? the farm?

Keefe has said the three goalkeepers are an option for the Leafs. With another set in a row next weekend (the Leafs are hosting Pittsburgh on Saturday and visiting the New York Islanders on Sunday to begin a four-game road trip), there will be another start available for the backup.

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Keeping Woll wouldn’t be a bad decision. In his first NHL start, there wasn’t much hint of nervousness on the part of the 23-year-old, who remained cool throughout the game. Although he allowed two goals in the third period, Woll remained in the right frame of mind and achieved victory.

LOOSE LEAVES

After taking Sunday off, the Leafs return to practice Monday to begin preparing for a three-game home position, beginning with a date with the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Predators will arrive in Toronto on a three-game winning streak. It will be Nashville’s first game at Scotiabank Arena since January 7, 2019. The Predators were the Leafs’ scheduled opponent on March 12, 2020, the day the NHL closed due to the pandemic … Rielly at Buffalo at 7:48 p.m. The third period was the second final game-winning Leafs defender in team history. Matt Hunwick holds the record, scoring at 7:52 p.m. of the third in a 3-2 win at Philadelphia on January 19, 2016. The Leafs’ record at any position is held by forward Brian Bradley, who scored at 19. : 58 of the party. third in Toronto’s 4-3 win over Detroit at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 11, 1992 … Rielly, who leads Leafs defenders in shots on target with 35, scoring his first goal of the season : “I feel like early there. There were a lot of opportunities, a couple of posts and stuff, but it was about time. It’s good to get it out of his head. “… Winger Michael Bunting hopes his first goal in seven games, coming in the second period against the Sabers, will start a run.” It’s more relief than anything else, “Bunting said.” Everything what is needed is one to open the floodgate. “

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