Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs won a rare game against the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 5-2. Oddly, given the Maple Leafs and the Blackhawks’ current trajectories, it was Toronto’s first regulation win in Chicago since 2003. It was a significant win for the Maple Leafs because it finally broke a long-standing streak of struggles at the United Center.
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On the night, the Maple Leafs game was highlighted by strong secondary scoring and solid play from their bottom six forwards, putting up a well-rounded team effort. For the second game in two nights, the team’s secondary scoring carried the offence.
Maple Leafs Are Now at the Top of the Atlantic Division
With the win, the Maple Leafs have 72 points, leapfrogging the Florida Panthers (71 points) to take over first place in the Atlantic Division. They also have a game in hand over the Panthers. The Maple Leafs sit in a strong position, especially considering an injury to key Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk.
That said, the Maple Leafs can’t take anything for granted. The Tampa Bay Lightning are sneaking up the division and are now four points behind the Maple Leafs with one fewer game played. To hold the lead, the team must maintain momentum through the upcoming stretch drive to secure a top spot in the division.
The Lengthy Offside Review: A Controversial Goal for Holmberg
One of the most interesting moments from the game was the lengthy offside review that ultimately did not overturn Pontus Holmberg’s empty-net goal. I thought the play was offside, but the review – which lasted far longer than anyone expected – did not overturn the goal. Instead, from what I heard later, the ruling was that John Tavares had not touched the puck when his teammate was offside.
While the referee’s on-ice decision was deemed correct, the review process raised questions about how much time should be spent analyzing plays. Still, in the end, Holmberg notched up another goal. At that point in the game, the argument that the lengthy review took away from the flow of the game seemed goofy. There was no game flowing then, just a mop-up win by the Blue & White.
Maple Leafs’ Third Line Shines in the Win
The Maple Leafs’ third line of Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nicholas Robertson had a strong game. Robertson scored two goals, and Domi had one of his best games of the season, making some beautiful passes and showing tons of energy. Again, the team’s depth scoring carried the game, providing valuable secondary scoring.
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This was a significant game for the third line, which has been inconsistent throughout the season. Their contribution helped alleviate the pressure on the top line. It looked as if both Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were gassed from the 4 Nations Face-Off battles. Neither of the first-line big guns played more than 18 minutes on the night. However, William Nylander and John Tavares each played more than 20 minutes.
Maple Leafs’ Empty-Net Goals Debate
One interesting statistic is that the Maple Leafs continue to lead the NHL in empty net goals scored with 20. So, what does that mean? On the one hand, it suggests that the Maple Leafs often play with a lead late in the game. That results in more 6-on-5 situations. However, scoring empty net goals can be seen as a sign of defensive lapses.
(Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
While the Maple Leafs have generally held on to their leads and haven’t blown any significant leads, teams often come back against them—as the Carolina Hurricanes did on Saturday night. Does the Maple Leafs’ loose play in these situations pose an issue come playoff time? However, the strong secondary scoring and solid defence against the Blackhawks on Sunday night provided reassurance.
McCabe and Tanev Both Played a Steady Blue Line Game
The Maple Leafs’ defensive pairing of Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev had a standout game both offensively and defensively. Both scored a goal and added an assist, and the pairing combined for a plus-6 rating. Their contributions were crucial in the Maple Leafs’ victory.
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The blue line provided stability during the game, even when the team started slowly. Both defencemen have been vital for Toronto, with Tanev especially being a strong defensive presence. Head coach Craig Berube spoke about McCabe and Tanev chipping in offensively in the team’s 5-2 win over Chicago: “They have such good chemistry together and are so connected with each other.”
Maple Leafs’ Secondary Scoring Made a Vital Contribution
The Maple Leafs’ depth players stepped up for the second game in a row, providing the kind of secondary scoring needed to complement what usually has been a top-heavy lineup. Goals from Holmberg, McCabe, Tanev, and Robertson (twice) carried the team to this win. It was (as noted) clear that Matthews and Marner were not at their most energetic. This type of depth scoring will be vital as the team heads into the playoffs, where depth becomes even more critical.
As the Maple Leafs push toward the playoffs, they will need continued contributions from their secondary players. With the top line likely to be a focal point for opposing teams in the postseason, players like Domi, McMann, and Robertson must provide reliable scoring and support. On Sunday, they did.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs will face a tough test on Tuesday night on the road against the Boston Bruins. The team must manage its fatigue when playing three games in four nights. That’s true until Matthews and Marner rebound with their usual energy.
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Perhaps it’s not bad that the depth players get more minutes. The big guns can rest more as the team’s secondary players jump into a more offensive mode. Even a few minutes a night can offer a bit of a breather. The team must also be ready against a Bruins team that isn’t in the playoffs. Yet, Tuesday’s game won’t be the one to rest.
