No Reason To Panic In Toronto, The Leafs Just Have Players Launching Each Other Face First Into The Ice

Here's what I'll give the Toronto Maple Leafs--they are unquestionably the most important team in the NHL. They're the one team that all other 31 fanbases around the league can collectively come together and take immense joy in their failures. And what makes it so great is that there's a certain level of chaotic energy that always hovers over them. 

The "slingshot" isn't anything that Nick Robertson just invented right here as he sent William Nylander toppling to the ice. It happens all the time. There's a race for a loose puck, and a teammate tries to give his guy a little boost to get there with his stick. Typically, however, you're not going to see that level of try-hardedness in the preseason. Typically you're not going to see the slingshot used on a play where the rush is clearly over and there's no more race for the puck. But Nick Robertson is trying to make the Leafs' opening night roster, wants to show off his big brain for the coaches to see in the film room at practice, and decides to give William Nylander a little power boost anyway. 

The type of decision that immediately makes you want to find a hole to crawl and hide in. Sending a $92million man with a history of concussion issues head first into an opponent's knee on a completely meaningless play in a completely meaningless game. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2023-24 Toronto Maple Leafs. 

They won the game, though, so at least there's no more need to panic in Toronto over preseason losses. 

@JordieBarstool