REDEMPTION TOUR
Johnsson admitted that he has more to give to this team after a disappointing 2020-21 season. Though he was happy with his 5-on-5 work and defensive play last year, his five goals in 50 games are less than what he expects from himself.
Johnsson, who scored 20 goals from Toronto in 2018-19, is being given a chance to redeem himself by the coaching staff, putting him on a line with Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. Though, Johnsson will now have to earn his spot on that line. It won't just be given to him.
Johnsson did just that Tuesday afternoon. He was a constant presence at the crease, looking for that dirty goal. And he was rewarded when a loose puck came out at the side net. Johnsson lifted that puck over the shoulder of Scott Wedgewood and just under the crossbar.
"I think there is another leve that (Johnsson) needed to get to. I think today we got a look at," Ruff said. "He was in on some plays where he didn't scored. Today he scored a goal. Today for me was by far his best day and more of what we need to see."
ODDS AND ENDS
* Jack Hughes is known for his flash and skill on the power play. But during camp, he was given some time working on the penalty kill. And he didn't look too shabby. He was arguably the best PKer, working alongside Sharangovich, in the scrimmage. Though Hughes will not see much PK time moving forward, it is an option for the coaching staff.
"I don't think Jack will be a killer," Ruff said. "Jack will be more power play, and stay inside that role. There will be times that I throw him out there (on the PK). His quickness and ability to read where the puck is going can be, can make him an affective penalty killer."
* Jimmy Vesey was the breakout star in the first scrimmage after posting three points (1G-2A) while showing he can be an effective penalty killer, registering a shorthanded assist. He continued to display his strong play in Tuesday's scrimmage, and even was given the occasional look on a line with Hischier and Bratt. Vesey is in camp on a PTO (player tryout), but appears to be well on his way to earning a spot.
* Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood saw two periods of action, and looked sharp while turning aside every shot he faced. His two most impressive saves came on a split-toe stop on a Nolan Foote breakaway. He also denied Hughes on a tight shot from the lower circle.
* Sharangovich scored the sickest goal of the after in overtime. He caught the puck with his back toward the net while gliding through the slot. He whipped a hard - and I mean hard - backhander far side that went off the post and in. No matter the angle or area, the kid can just flat out shoot the puck.
"That was a heck of a goal," Ruff said. "I think he's shown us a lot last year and this year. He had a good day today. He skated well. That was the thing that I was most impressed with last year that stood out most. And we got a little taste of the skill level that he actually has. I give him a lot of credit for the way that he shoots the puck. I think his puck handling and what he can do with it has another level, too."
