Ian Scott plays his first hockey game in almost two years

It’s been a tough time for the Marlies, who have been outscored 16-8 in their last three games. This week was another full of practice that was to really help Toronto focus on those next against Laval – which brought in Cole Caufield to give him some professional experience.

And really, he did not disappoint Habs fans. Caufield had two goals and an assist against the Marlies on Friday night and one against Toronto on Saturday afternoon.

Cole Caufield scores his first AHL goal. pic.twitter.com/fxguT2kPMV

– Nick Barden (@nickbarden) April 10, 2021

Even without Caufield, the Marlies knew how good Laval is and before this weekend they were really focused on themselves.

“We’re going to have to find out where he [Caufield] is on the ice at all times and makes it difficult for him. Greg Moore said ahead of Friday night’s game against Laval. “Most of the preparation we will continue to focus on ourselves and our game plan for the team.”

These two games testify both to the quality of the Laval Rocket, but also to the difficulty of the Marlies. The biggest talking point these days for Toronto has been their struggle to keep the games at bay in the second periods.

In Game 1 of the four-game series (Friday night), they struggled in the middle of the period, allowing three goals. But on Saturday afternoon, Toronto found itself in a better position, scoring two unanswered goals from its side thanks to Tyler Gaudet and Kalle Kossila.

And while it was a tough loss for Toronto, there was a really good thing that came out of it.

With his season stalled with another injury, Scott was unsure of when he would play hockey again. Fast forward to yesterday, the 22-year-old has finally entered a game after almost two years.

Scott allowed four goals on 28 shots, but after the game he really didn’t think about how many goals he had allowed. “There aren’t a lot of words. It had been a long time, but I was just happy to be there again. Scott said.

After two quick goals to kick off Saturday’s game for Laval, the 22-year-old settled in well, allowing no goals in the second period. Obviously, it’s not something we should talk about for goalies, but for Scott, it’s different.

“You could say in the first half that he [Scott] had nervous energy and movement, but settled down well, made some big saves, and then the second half looked very comfortable. Moore said after Saturday’s game. “It’s amazing how calm and calm he looks there. It kind of reflects his personality. But for his first comeback, he should be really proud of it. “

There’s no real plan known to me on how the Marlies will decide who takes the net for the rest of this season in the AHL. But I do believe that both Scott and Joseph Woll will share the fold. Those are two prospects the Maple Leafs want to throw, especially Scott since he hasn’t had much playing time in the past two years.

Ultimately, however, what did Scott think of his own game?

“I thought I was fine.” Said the 22-year-old. “Honestly, maybe I’m a little hard on myself, but just to be out there again, in the atmosphere and competing with the team, there’s no better feeling.”

The Marlies have two games next week, a Thursday night against Laval and another against the Rocket on Sunday (both in Montreal).

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