Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Nashville Predators in what most would have thought to be an “easier win.” At the beginning, it looked like that—they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. Unfortunately, the second period, which is typically known as the team’s best, ended up being their worst of the night. Nashville scored three goals to pull ahead, and they never looked back. Toronto had a late-game push with the net empty but couldn’t score and lost 5-2.
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It was a typical trap game that the Maple Leafs lost. However, not everything was bad. So, let’s dive into three takeaways from last night’s game.
Knies & McMann are Perfect Fits in the Top Six
Over the course of the season, it has become very clear that both Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann are important to the lineup. As the season went on, it became more and more evident that they are exactly what the team was missing in the top six. Their style of play complements the core four players with their rugged, power-forward style.
It was clear last night when both Knies and McMann helped control the play in the corners and in front of the net. There were several instances that led to goals or scoring chances involving both players—small details that, when noticed, showcase their high hockey IQ. This was evident on the power-play goal when John Tavares had the puck in the slot and fired it on net. It beat Juuse Saros, but who was standing in front of the goal? The 6-foot-3 forward, setting a near-perfect screen.
McMann had a great scoring chance late in the first period off an off-balance pass from Auston Matthews, allowing him to create space and get a point-blank shot on net. It went through Saros but missed wide. If he had waited a few more seconds, he could have walked in closer and had an even better look. Regardless, he found space and took control with his big frame, leading to a scoring chance—exactly what you want in big moments.
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Whether it’s Knies or McMann, both players have stepped in and become vital pieces of the team’s top six—something that has been missing for the better part of Matthews’ time with the organization.
Johnny T Has 30 Goals, Again
Remember last season when John Tavares had 29 goals in 80 games, and so many people in the media said he was washed up and that his time was coming to an end? Well, he has 30 goals again—for the seventh time in his career. This time, he has hit the mark in just 63 games at age 34. He is truly holding off Father Time and proving his doubters wrong—his time in the NHL isn’t over yet.
He even has a chance to reach 35 goals, which would be just the fifth time in his career but the third time with the Maple Leafs. After losing the captaincy this offseason, his ability to bounce back and play at such a high level is impressive. For his teammates, watching him perform the way he has night in and night out has to be motivating. If Tavares keeps playing at this level, it will carry over to his linemates. William Nylander and the aforementioned McMann have the potential to be a very good second line for the club down the stretch and into the playoffs. That will be possible if Tavares continues playing at this level.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs return home to play the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, March 25, for the last time this season. They now have only 12 games remaining and will need to focus on locking up the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
