Maple Leafs Show Increased Toughness and Tenacity Versus Senators in Pre-Season Opener

Dressing only a handful of NHLers for Sunday's game in Ottawa, the Leafs were aiming to give players an opportunity to standout.

The Senators, on the other hand, dressed almost their entire NHL roster, led by captain Brady Tkachuk and top goaltender Linus Ullmark.

After the Leafs exploded for three goals in the first period, including contributions from Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson -- both of which are battling for a chance to make the Leafs' roster, the second period saw an increase in physicality and a renewed 'Battle of Ontario'.

Just under four minutes into the second period, a large scrum ensued along the benches, where Ridly Greig was involved in an intense altercation with Leafs forward Jacob Quillan.

Greig looked as though he wanted no part of it, but had no choice as Quillan showed he and the Leafs' younger players would not be pushed around, backing Greig hard into the glass before sending him to the ice.

A total of 32 penalty minutes were handed out in a very tenacious and physical second period that saw the Leafs head to the dressing room with a 4-2 lead.

The Leafs don't have the deepest prospect pool after years of deadline deals, but those that took to the ice on Sunday showed that they are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful and have clearly bought into Craig Berube's system, and absorbed the message of needing to be mentally tough and willing to play a grinding, physical style of play. So far, so good.