In a game that the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled with, they could fight through a challenging, in-the-trenches, playoff-style battle against the Los Angeles Kings. Both teams were scrapping for every inch of ice, and it was the type of game that head coach Craig Berube has been working to make the Maple Leafs better at.
Mission accomplished for Berube in this one, with key contributions from players often criticized for not producing when it matters most. In the end, the Maple Leafs grabbed a 3-1 win.
Matthews and Marner Shine in Key Moments
Auston Matthews significantly impacted this game, scoring the tying goal, setting up the winning goal, and even causing a turnover that led to the empty-net goal. Matthews scored a rebound off his shot for the winning goal and pressured a Kings player into coughing up the puck to Mitch Marner, which directly contributed to the empty-net score.
Related: William Nylander Giving Maple Leafs Bang for Their Buck
While Matthews’ shorthanded goal was initially credited as coming from Jake McCabe, Marner was the unseen but crucial factor in the play. Marner sent the puck up the ice to Matthews, who fired a shot that was saved but then scored off the rebound. Marner also assisted with the empty-net goal, reading the play well and intercepting a pass before sending it sky-high down the ice to set up John Tavares.
Review Drama on Matthews’ Shorthanded Goal
Matthews’ shorthanded goal caused some controversy. After his initial shot, Matthews knocked the rebound out of mid-air, potentially with a high stick. The referee immediately signaled it was not a high stick, and after a lengthy review, the call stood. The replays showed it was close, but with the original call being no high stick, the review likely couldn’t find enough conclusive evidence to overturn it. This raises an interesting question: how far back can such a review go in high-stakes situations?
While the Maple Leafs lost the 5-on-5 battle 1-0, they dominated the special-teams battle, winning 3-0. Toronto scored a power-play goal, a shorthanded goal, and a 5-on-6 empty-net goal. The Maple Leafs must continue to improve their 5-on-5 play, but if they can keep games even in that area, their special teams talent should help them win games.
Top-Six Chemistry and the Bottom-Six Struggles
As long as they remain healthy, Berube has found his top-six combinations with Matthews, Marner, and Knies on one line, and Tavares, William Nylander, and Bobby McMann on the other. McMann was arguably the most dangerous Maple Leafs player in the first two periods, but the bottom-six combinations still seem unsettled.
Related: Analyst: Marner Won’t Join Elite Group Until “He Leaves the Leafs”
The third-line combo of Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Domi was ineffective. Domi often looked isolated, and Jarnkrok continued to struggle since his return. The fourth line of David Kampf and Steven Lorentz was also ineffective, with zero contributions in terms of shots, scoring chances, and expected goals. Pontus Holmberg had minimal impact, with only one shot attempt, shot, and scoring chance.
Roster Adjustments: Robertson and Potential Trades
Nicholas Robertson was a healthy scratch for this game, and his absence was felt. Specifically, Domi sometimes looked isolated. A potential pairing of Robertson with Domi could improve puck possession and zone time, even if they don’t produce much together without McMann.
Another option for the bottom six could be Max Pacioretty, if healthy. He could add size and physicality while offering good offensive instincts. Pacioretty might struggle to keep up with Domi and Robertson regarding speed, but he could still be an asset in front of the net. If Pacioretty can’t go, Holmberg could fit nicely on that line.
Benoit’s Role and Playoff Readiness
Simon Benoit’s play has been criticized recently, but fans should appreciate his size, enthusiasm, and physicality. He made a noticeable mistake on the opening goal, but he often follows it up with firm shifts. If Berube uses and shelters him wisely, Benoit could have a positive impact. He also contributes to the penalty kill and generally logs 15-16 minutes per game as the No. 6 defenseman.
Goaltending Uncertainty: Woll vs. Stolarz
The goaltending situation continues to be a seesaw. One week, Joseph Woll seems to have the advantage; the next, Anthony Stolarz appears to be the better candidate. Stolarz earned the win against the Kings, stopping 35 of 36 shots. However, Woll struggled against the San Jose Sharks, allowing five goals on 35 shots and failing to stop shootout attempts.
Related: Young Guns McMann & Knies Are Shaping the Maple Leafs’ Future
Woll will likely get a chance to redeem himself in Anaheim tonight against the Ducks. However, Stolarz seems to have the edge for the next home game against the Florida Panthers. Right now, betting money would favor Stolarz as the starter.
Standings Update: Maple Leafs Surge to First in Atlantic
With the win over Los Angeles, the Maple Leafs leapfrogged both Florida teams. They are now one point up on the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida has a game in hand, but the Maple Leafs have a chance to take advantage of a tired Panthers team when they face off at home on Wednesday. The Panthers will be playing their second game of a back-to-back and third in four nights, while Toronto will have two days off to rest after their game in Anaheim.
Under Berube’s guidance, the Maple Leafs are making strides in a challenging, playoff-style game. While there’s still work to do, particularly in the bottom-six, the team’s special teams are firing on all cylinders. Key players like Matthews and Marner are also stepping up when needed most. The race in the Atlantic Division is heating up, and the Maple Leafs will need to keep their momentum going as they head into a key stretch of games.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
