Senators at Maple Leafs 10/2/19 - NHL Picks & Predictions

On Wednesday, the Ottawa Senators visit the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL regular season opener for both. The Senators did not have a good team in 2018-19 and will not likely be much better this season. A mix of veterans such as Artem Anisimov and Ron Hainsey will play with young players such as Thomas Chabot and Brady Tkachuk. Don’t be surprised with a last place finish in the NHL for Ottawa this season.

Brady Tkachuk is the player to watch when the Senators open their season on Wednesday. Tkachuk showed a strong ability to drive the line last season while on Mark Stone’s line but when Stone was not playing the line took a big hit. As a rookie in 2018-19, Tkachuk scored 22 goals and assisted on 23 others and this season, his goal scoring should surpass the 30-goal plateau.

Toronto is loaded with elite talent but the big question mark is whether the Maple Leafs can put it all together and take a run at this season’s Stanley Cup title. The big three for Toronto are Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares. A slight question mark remains in goal as not all hockey pundits believe Frederik Andersen is a goaltender that can lead Toronto to the Cup.

The player to watch starting this season for the Maple Leafs is Andreas Johnsson. As a rookie last season, Johnsson impressed with 20 goals and 23 assists, but flew under the radar on a team with so much talent. Johnsson begins the season on Matthews’ top line as Zach Hyman is out with an injury, but a good start there may keep the second year talent alongside Matthews even when Hyman returns.