PHOTOS – Toronto Maple Leafs’ Nordic power
Feb 23, 2018 Estonian Life No. 8 2018
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing inspired hockey this season. Auston Matthews (#34) leads the team with 26 goals. Nazem Kadri (#43) played a stellar game on February 14 with 3 goals and 2 assists.
But Estonian-Canadian hockey fans will be particularly impressed by the Nordic contributions to the success of the Leafs. From Denmark, goalie Frederik Andersen (#31) is a serious contender for the NHL’s Vezina trophy as the most valuable goaltender.
On Valentine’s Day, he stopped 54 of 57 shots! From Sweden, William Nylander (#29) has 45 points, including 31 assists, contributing to the success of Matthews. From Finland, Kasperi Kapanen (#24) already has 4 goals in only 15 games played. And then there is Leo Komarov (#47), now a Finnish citizen, who remains the only Estonian-born NHL player.
But Estonian-Canadian hockey fans will be particularly impressed by the Nordic contributions to the success of the Leafs. From Denmark, goalie Frederik Andersen (#31) is a serious contender for the NHL’s Vezina trophy as the most valuable goaltender.
On Valentine’s Day, he stopped 54 of 57 shots! From Sweden, William Nylander (#29) has 45 points, including 31 assists, contributing to the success of Matthews. From Finland, Kasperi Kapanen (#24) already has 4 goals in only 15 games played. And then there is Leo Komarov (#47), now a Finnish citizen, who remains the only Estonian-born NHL player.
Komarov continues to contribute as a penalty-killing specialist as well as being an ever-present force in front of the opposing goalie. On February 14, he earned an assist on Patrick Marleau’s empty net goal to secure the Leafs’ 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Many thanks again to Steve Keogh and the Leafs media team for allowing Estonian Life to photograph the Leafs.
Peeter Põldre, Toronto
PHOTO GALLERY: Peeter Põldre (2018)
