Highly fortuitous returns.
As fate would have it, Toronto Maple Leafs cast-offs Nick Spaling and Shawn Matthias scored mere moments apart into their respective debuts with the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche, who just happen to be combatants Wednesday night.
Spaling, who scored just the one time in 35 games with the Maple Leafs, got his second of the season with a rocket fired on his first shift with the club.
#GottaSeeIt: First shift as a Shark, first shot as a Shark, first goal as a Shark. Nice start for Nick Spaling.https://t.co/wBK0SBygMG
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 25, 2016
Matthias answered with his second of the season, cleaning up the crease roughly 10 minutes later, and ensuring that ex-Leafs would account for all the goal-scoring in the period.
Spaling was considered a throw-in along with defenseman Roman Polak in a deal that saw the Leafs add a pair of second-round picks to their collection of draft tickets.
Matthias was had for a fourth-round pick and a prospect.
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It is unfortunate for Leaf fans to have to endure the turmoil surrounding that team. I am not a Leaf fan but I do believe they are finally on the right track to build a competitive team. They have a great coach and excellent management. Given a few years the results will come.
When players are surrounded by talent, they too become more successful. It is no surprise that both Matthias and Spaling had some success. The relief of being out of a negative situation and being thrust into a new and exciting atmosphere are enough to get these guys going again.
Leaf fans don’t worry. Your time will come again!