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It's too early to comment in general on the quality of a team in 2018-2019 (sorry, Canadians, you're welcome, Coyotes), but it's never too early to get excited about a game. You know, if your soul is still attached to you and you are not too cool to get excited about things in general.
Now, of course, circumstances could change things. Players may be tired or just have a night of rest. Maybe a coach will put a strain on the fact that he too often clicks the snooze button
But at least on paper, it's really hard to imagine a more exciting game than Penguins – Maple Leafs, a game in Toronto tonight.
(Yeah, it's not bad that the crazy hockey town manages to channel its sometimes exaggerated excitement into it, either.)
Just take into account all the factors, stories and statistics that make this game stand out as a sign of "Kenny Rogers's Roasters".
[Maybe this is the perfect opportunity for Crosby to shake off a relatively slow start?]
The ridiculous power of Star Power
No matter how Mike Babcock and Mike Sullivan unfurl their lines, you'll see high-end talent almost every quarter on Thursday.
It's obvious that Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have chances to score with Auston Matthews and John Tavares. This is the kind of game that marketing and hockey fans would normally only dream of.
You could create a thrilling game if you send out mouths with these guys, but the Penguins and the Maple Leafs use other dangerous markers, even if the situation of William Nylander's contract is blocked.
Phil Kessel could easily spend the best night of anybody trying to upset his former team. Jake Guentzel tends to play his best when the spotlight shines. Mitch Marner is a sensational talent who can handle a game in its own right.
Even the defenders can be offensive, as Kris Letang and Morgan Rielly have started the 2018-1919 season at a torrid pace, while Jake Gardiner and others can also contribute.
All the foolishness that stems from all this power of star
The crazy debates about Auston Matthews vs. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby vs. McDavid, etc., translate into entertainment. This is true if you take the debates seriously or if you are simply confused by people who believe that Matthews has reached McDavid after two very hot weeks.
It's not just columnists who pump hot items.
As you may remember, Lars Eller fired Matthews – Tavares because of the feeling of "being there, doing that" to deal with Crosby – Malkin all these years. You then Babcock saying that McDavid vs. Crosby "Is not even close," while Mark Scheifele seems to have the same feeling about McDavid vs. Matthews.
(Do you think we could force Edmonton to loan Connor to this game to really score all those points?) That could be good for the guy's morale.)
Oh yes, there is also Brian Burke who compares Rielly for … Nicklas Lidstrom?
Some of this stuff is spiked. Some are instructive. Maybe there is a combination of both at the same time. But all this adds to the pleasure, if you ask me.
Any offense, no defense?
By winning two consecutive Stanley Cups while playing a style of defense and then attack first, the Penguins played an important role in the NHL by placing greater emphasis on skills, results and hockey.
Until now this season, the Maple Leafs feel like the terrible evolution of this style.
From all points of view, Toronto plays high-level hockey this season. They have so marked that it has generally allowed them to shrug their shoulders against what has often been a leaky defense.
The Penguins have not been so crisp this season, having failed to walk the tightrope at high risk because their defense has really cracked.
This is bad news for Pittsburgh's hopes of winning its division, but it certainly opens the door to a fun night.
The big net goalkeepers
Aside from the last-minute setbacks, the two starters (Matt Murray and Frederik Andersen) should be ready for the team on Thursday.
If they play well, this clash could result in at least some slowdown. Maybe we'll see a spectacular backup or two of the two goalies to keep the score at a reasonable level? If they are rusted, the valves can open even more widely.
In any case, the returns of Murray and Andersen add an extra touch to a game full of intrigue.
***
Again, it is possible that this game does not produce the sensations you expect. Sometimes hockey is like that in 2018, although some progress has been made, thanks in part to these two talented teams.
Nevertheless, if you were to bet on a very fun game, Penguins – Maple Leafs is a bet as safe as you can get it. You know, unless the coach eliminates defensive errors or the goalkeeper tries to control all those fires.
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James O & # 39; Brien is a writer for Professional Hockey Conference on NBC Sports. Leave him a line to [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.
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