On Wednesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs hung on for a tough 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche at Scotiabank Arena. The key to the win was the outstanding play by goalie Joseph Woll, who made 38 saves. Again, the Maple Leafs’ special teams were a plus. Auston Matthews scored with the man advantage, and Steven Lorentz scored with the man disadvantage (shorthanded). This win was the team’s second straight after a rough 1-4-1 stretch.
Item One: Joseph Woll Walls the Crease
Woll was the standout player against the Avalanche. His totals were outstanding, turning away a remarkable 38 of 39 shots on the net. The Avalanche were strong, but he dominated throughout the game. He made tons of excellent saves, especially in the third period. Toward the end of the game, the Maple Leafs’ defence began to take over and frustrate the Avalanche. But, until then, it was all Woll. His timely stops kept the Avalanche at bay and ensured his team held on to the lead as they gathered their second straight win.
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The win was Woll’s fifth in his last six starts. It also marked the third time he faced 30-plus shots over that six-game stretch. His season’s record now stands at 24-12-0, with a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage (SV%). His ability to weather high-pressure moments continues to be significant in Toronto’s success. It was the first set of back-to-back starts for Woll since Feb. 1 and 4. It’s hard to say how head coach Craig Berube might deploy his goalies in upcoming games, but Anthony Stolarz will likely get the nod in tonight’s game against the New York Rangers.
Item Two: Auston Matthews Scores on the Power Play
Matthews played a key role in the Maple Leafs win last night, scoring a power-play goal 28 seconds into the second period. His shot from the bottom of the right circle deflected off Devon Toews’ stick in front of the crease, which beat Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. This goal was Matthews’ fourth in his last three games, and it tied him with Dave Keon for second place in franchise history for game-opening goals, with 65. He now trails only Mats Sundin (who has 67).
Matthews was a force. He put eight shots on the net in the game, nearly a third of his team’s total shots. His power-play goal added to his season total, standing at 27 goals. He also has recorded 61 points in 53 games. With 21 points on the power play, Matthews has been a huge part of the Maple Leafs’ special teams. His offence has helped Toronto again grab a piece of the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
Item Three: Steven Lorentz Scores Shorthanded
Jumping on an unfortunate bounce (for the Avalanche), Lorentz emerged as the unexpected hero of the game. His shorthanded goal in the third period was the game-winner. In one of the oddest plays fans will ever see, with the game tied at 1-1 and the Maple Leafs killing a penalty, Simon Benoit’s clearing attempt hit a diving (out of the way) official in the neutral zone. Lorentz pounced on the puck, skated into the zone, and wired a shot over Avalanche goalie Blackwood’s shoulder from the left faceoff dot. His sixth goal of the season broke the tie, and the Maple Leafs held onto the win.
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This goal also snapped Lorentz’s eight-game point drought and was his first since Jan. 18 against the Montreal Canadiens. After his goal, Lorentz seemed to gain confidence and played a solid defensive role with his fourth line. The shorthanded goal was his third game-winner of the season. He has scored some crucial goals for the Maple Leafs, with half of his goals this season being game-winners.
Item Four: Mitch Marner Gets a Key Power-Play Helper
Mitch Marner recorded a power-play assist on Matthews’ goal early in the second period, giving the Maple Leafs a 1-0 lead. Marner’s gone five games without a goal, his longest stretch since January. However, he’s contributed four assists in those five games, all coming on the power play.
For the season, Marner has scored 21 goals and added 62 assists. He has also put up 30 power-play points in his 67 games. His vision and playmaking abilities have been essential to the team’s success, and his power-play success remains a key element in Toronto’s offence. Goal-scoring drought or not, Marner creates chances for his teammates. He’s one of the NHL’s top playmakers.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
With their 2-1 victory over the Avalanche, the Maple Leafs moved into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division with the Florida Panthers. They are in a tight race for the top spot, with the Tampa Bay Lightning also hanging around. As the regular season pushes toward its conclusion, Toronto must continue its strong play to gain the best playoff seeding.
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The Maple Leafs have traveled to New York and will take on the Rangers tonight. Another win would help them stay atop the competitive Atlantic Division.
