Wayne Simmonds makes a statement, beats the brakes off of Zack MacEwen
Just when you think Wayne Simmonds might be done, he comes out and scores a goal and absolutely pummels a legitimate NHL tough guy. Such was the case on Saturday night in Philadelphia as Simmer scored an important game-tying goal in the second period and put a feather in his cap with a third period scrap with Flyers forward Zack MacEwen.
The Leafs had been getting outplayed and outshot by the Flyers, surrendering the first goal to Kevin Hayes in the first four minutes of the second period. Simmonds' goal at the midway point in the period sparked the Leafs and led to a subsequent Timothy Liljegren goal just over a minute later, though Carter Hart definitely wanted both of those back. It was Simmonds' first goal in 33 games.
Earlier in the contest, MacEwen and Simmonds wanted to fight, but the officials stepped in to prevent it at the end of the first period, as a scrap at that point made little sense. However, in the third period, as the Leafs were beginning to run away with the game, MacEwen and Simmonds came together inside of the Leafs' blueline to throw down.
Wayne Simmonds is a true warrior. MacEwen is a tough customer and he didn't land a single shot on Simmonds in the bout. This is the Wayne Train that the Leafs need to have show up in the postseason.
In terms of Clifford, Simmonds and Spezza battling for a roster spot on the team's 4th line, I'd say that Simmonds just put an exclamation point on his bid.
