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Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthews Leads Crucial Win Against Jets

By Andrew Boehmer |
Feb 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) is congratulated by center Nazem Kadri (43) and center William Nylander (29) and center Auston Matthews (34) against the Winnipeg Jets at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Jets 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) is congratulated by center Nazem Kadri (43) and center William Nylander (29) and center Auston Matthews (34) against the Winnipeg Jets at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Jets 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Auston Matthews led the charge for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they picked up two important points against Winnipeg.

In the first game between Toronto Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews play against Winnipeg Jets, Patrik Laine, the rookies clashed for an intense and thrilling game.

The latter of the two came out as the hero with his first NHL hat trick, scoring the overtime winner. Too much of the disappointment within Leafs Nation, Matthews lost the first round. But, there is always round two.

Round Two

Coming into last night’s game, the Leafs had recently been knocked out of the second Wild Card spot by the Florida Panthers. At this point in the season, every single point the Leafs can get is critical. A similar story for the Jets as they were only one spot out of a Wild Card spot in the West, they would have loved to gather that second point, but Matthews and his group had other ideas.

The Leafs clinched an epic win in a regular season game that had the intensity knob turned to 11, almost as though they were playing for the Stanley Cup. Laine shined brightly for the Jets almost gathering another hat trick, coming out one goal shy, but also notching his 30th goal of the season. But, that was the only bright spot for the Jets as the Leafs stood tall in the end.

Top Performers

(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
(Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports) /

Leo Komarov scored two goals, almost picking up his first NHL hat trick, with other all-star performances by Nazem Kadri (one goal), Josh Leivo (two assists), William Nylander (one goal and one assist) and Jake Gardiner with his best game of the season (overtime goal and one assist).

If you’re wondering why I left out Matthews (three assists) it’s because I wanted to focus in on him specifically, seeing as though he headlined the game against his counterpart, Laine.

Matthews played a terrific game last night. I mean a three-point night speaks for itself, but, you have to take into consideration how important it was for the Leafs to not only hold on when he took that weak call by the official near the end of the third but prevail and grab both available points.

He knew what the consequences of losing last night’s game were, so he gave it his best and in the end, his best was good enough.

Playoff Push and Point Production

With the Leafs most recent win over the Jets, they are back in a playoff spot, sitting somewhat comfortably third in the Atlantic Division. It seems as though the entire Eastern Conference that isn’t in a playoff spot is nipping at their heals and will prove to be a tight ride to the finish line. The Leafs are only sitting five points back from first in the Atlantic as the Montreal Canadiens surge for Atlantic dominance is not working, even with their latest addition, Claude Julien.

The rookie point race is tighter than ever as Laine leads the rookie class with 54 points. Not far behind him is Matthews with 52 in four more games played. Calder discussion is sure to heat up as we wind down the regular season and Mitchel Marner returns from injury.

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