It was disappointing news for some Leafs' fans and one of their new players, head coach Mike Babcock scratched Jason Spezza for the opener. Spezza had been mostly skating on the Leafs' fourth line throughout training camp and practice, however was scratched in favour of Nick Shore and Frederik Gauthier. Babcock explained to the media that Spezza was scratched because he still needs to get a better understanding of the team's PK. «We're giving Spez a little more time on the penalty kill,» Babcock said. «He wants to penalty kill for us. We need him to do that, so he'll be in the next game [on Friday against Columbus]. This buys him more time, more reps, and we'll get lots of reps on it. We're just trying to stay with that the best we can.»
Spezza was disappointed in the decision. «I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed,» Spezza said after the Leafs' morning skate at Scotiabank Arena. «[Head coach Mike Babcock and I] have talked about what we have to do and what the process to getting in is. He's the coach and he decides the lineup. I have to get to up to speed with what he wants.»
"It is what it is.»Do you see Babcock and Spezza having a healthy relationship?
