This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to maintain their level of play when playing against lower-ranked clubs. This was not the case on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks. Last night, the Maple Leafs had a strong performance, winning 9-2. Toronto asserted its control early on, scoring four goals in the opening period and another four in the second. This early scoring onslaught set the tone for the game and helped the Maple Leafs maintain control throughout.
Despite facing a lower-ranked squad, the Maple Leafs maintained their momentum.
The result was predictable: A decisive victory.
Item 1: Three reasons why the Maple Leafs won the game.
I believe the Maple Leafs won the game against the Ducks for three reasons. First, Auston Matthews had another spectacular performance. He played less than 15 minutes yet had an outstanding performance. He scored his second straight hat trick and added two assists, for a career-high five points in the game.
Second, the Maple Leafs were effective with their man advantage. They took advantage of their power play opportunities and scored four goals. William Nylander and Bobby McMann each scored power-play goals, as Toronto took advantage of its special teams opportunities.
Third, the Maple Leafs had a solid start, demonstrating their offensive depth. Toronto got off to a good start in the first period, scoring four goals to take a dominating lead. Aside from Matthews’ outstanding performance, contributions from Nylander, McMann, Nick Robertson, and Tyler Bertuzzi demonstrated the Maple Leafs’ ability to generate scoring across many lines. This offensive firepower overpowered the Ducks.
Item 2: Auston Matthews Scores Another Hat Trick.
Matthews extended his remarkable run of form with another standout performance on Saturday, scoring three goals and providing two assists in Toronto’s dominating victory. Matthews’ hat trick was his second straight three-goal game and sixth of the season. It is no longer necessary to state that he is the league’s leading goal scorer. The 26-year-old’s offensive was evident in every aspect of the game. Three of his points came during the power play.
Matthews’ superb performance improved his league-leading goal total to 48 for the season. Impressively, he has scored 15 goals in his last 12 outings. In addition to his goals, he has 23 assists and an incredible 225 shots on goal in 52 games this season. It’s incredible that, as Maple Leafs supporters, we’re now watching the best player in franchise history play right now. He’s a delight to watch.
Item 3: Bobby McMann Has Another Multi-Goal Game
McMann had another outstanding performance on Saturday, scoring two goals and providing an assist. He had an immediate impact, scoring a power-play goal in the first period to extend the Maple Leafs’ lead to 2-0. He continued to score in the second period, extending Toronto’s lead to 8-1.
McMann also assisted on Nick Robertson’s goal in the last quarter, closing off a great night. His performance builds on a hat trick on Tuesday, raising his tally to five goals and six points in his last three outings. This latest rise contrasts with his previous season totals of two goals and seven points in the first 26 games. McMann will most likely continue to play on Toronto’s third line in the future. If he receives time on the second power-play unit, he should continue to contribute to the Maple Leafs’ offensive success.
Item 4: Martin Jones Won His Tenth Game of the Season
Martin Jones had a strong game in goal for the Maple Leafs, stopping 19 of 21 shots in their victory over the Ducks. While Toronto’s offense bore the most of the load in the victory, Jones made crucial saves, surrendering only two goals in the process. Jones’ win was his first since January 18.
The 34-year-old goalie has a 10-7-1 record this season, a save percentage of.908, and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.69. Jones is anticipated to play occasionally as a backup to Ilya Samsonov until Joseph Woll recovers from his ankle injury.
What’s next for the Maple Leafs?
Unfortunately, William Lagesson suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday’s game and will be unable to return to the ice. The details of his upper-body injury have not been revealed. However, it is substantial enough to keep him out for some time.
This setback exacerbates the Maple Leafs’ defensive problems. They are already missing key players like Morgan Rielly due to suspension, Mark Giordano for personal reasons (the death of his father), and Conor Timmins due to sickness.
