The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their strong post-break performance with a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night. Matthew Knies scored the game-winner early in the third period. It was his 22nd of the season, and how timely. It came just minutes after the Rangers’ Will Cuylle had tied the game with a short-handed score.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson and William Nylander put up the other two goals on the night, with Nylander’s second-period goal (another breakaway) giving the Maple Leafs a 2-1 lead. The win was Toronto’s fourth straight since the 4 Nations Face-Off break, which lifted them a point up on the Florida Panthers for the Atlantic Division lead.
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Anthony Stolarz was solid in net for the Maple Leafs, making 33 saves and turning in a key moment with a spectacular glove save just after the Rangers tied the game at 2-2. With the win, Stolarz improved to 13-5-2. The Rangers’ loss kept them four points behind the Ottawa Senators and the Detroit Red Wings for a wild-card playoff spot.
Item One: Ekman-Larsson’s Key Power-Play Goal Started the Scoring
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL) was key in the Maple Leafs’ win, scoring a power-play goal early. While his offensive days are supposed to be in the rearview mirror, this goal marked Ekman-Larsson’s second goal and 10th point in his last 13 games, during which he’s also put up a plus-9 rating, 13 hits, and 11 blocked shots. He’s giving his team what it needs.
Of his 25 points, four have come on the power play. OEL has been a steady presence on the blue line. In addition to his offense, he’s delivered solid defensive play with 72 hits and 52 blocked shots through 58 games this season. The 33-year-old is on pace to surpass the 30-point mark for the second straight season. He’s been a reliable top-four defenseman for the Maple Leafs.
Item Two: William Nylander’s Incredible 34th Goal
William Nylander continues to drive the Maple Leafs. With 34 goals on the season, he’s currently second in NHL scoring, only trailing Leon Draisaitl. Once again, Nylander was able to get behind defenders on a line change, and once again, it led to a breakaway. His goal on Friday night marked a return to form, snapping a five-game goal drought.
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Nylander also contributed in other areas. Best of all, he played over 19 minutes and showed no signs of the injury that had kept him out during overtime against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Nylander is stepping up even stronger this season, with 59 points and a plus-4 rating through 59 games. He won’t hit the century mark, but if anything, his offense is more potent than in the past.
Item Three: Anthony Stolarz Was a Key Contributor to Leafs’ Success
Stolarz remains a standout for the Maple Leafs, playing the key role in their 3-2 victory. He stopped 33 of 35 shots, including some crucial saves late in the game to preserve the lead. He put up his fourth straight win since returning from a knee injury. Stolarz’s 2.21 GAA is fourth best in the NHL, and his .927 save percentage leads the NHL this season. He’s been the Maple Leafs’ tipping point, keeping them high in the standings.
What is most impressive about Stolarz is his composure and mobility for a goalie of his size. He’s consistently kept the team in games, even when the team has been less than perfect in front of him. Last season, a game like this might have slipped away, but his play is helping Toronto close out tough games. As the team pushes toward the playoffs, it’s clear that Stolarz has become a vital piece of their success.
Item Four: Matthew Knies Scores the Game-Winning Goal
As noted, Matthew Knies scored the game-winning goal. It ended his four-game goal drought and was his third game-winner. With 22 goals and 38 points in 55 games, Knies’ mix of skill and grit (he has put up a solid 124 hits) has made him a valuable piece of the Maple Leafs lineup. Even better, he knows exactly where to go when playing with his top-line partners, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
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While Matthews has been on an eight-game point streak, Knies stepped up big. If anything, his role on the team is growing. If he can stay healthy, he’s on track to hit the 50-point mark by season’s end. His growth is one of the key storylines for the team as it pushes for the playoffs.
Item Five: Could Minten or Cowan Be Traded?
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, Nick Kypreos is spreading the rumor that the Maple Leafs could be looking to move one of their top prospects, Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. The organization is weighing its options. Both youngsters are showing promise; however, the rumor is that this might be a time to go all in at the trade deadline.
One could be traded for a significant upgrade, perhaps a top-tier player. While both players have strengths and potential, the decision might come down to what kind of move Toronto needs to bolster its roster and make a deeper playoff push.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs are in a strong position right now. They’re playing confidently, finding ways to win, and getting standout performances from players like Stolarz and Knies. But with lots of hockey ahead, they must keep pushing and building on their momentum. The upcoming trade deadline will be a key factor—will the Maple Leafs move to strengthen their defense? How will they shape up as they head into the playoffs?
It’s been an exciting stretch for Toronto, and they’ve shown growth this season. The Maple Leafs are riding high after an intense road trip, with four straight wins following a tough loss to the Vancouver Canucks before the break. They’ve been dominant against non-playoff teams, winning 12 of their last 13. Next, they’ll face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, another test as they continue building on their success.
