The Toronto Maple Leafs will head into the Christmas Break on a high note after a 3-2 win in New York.
After much discussion as to whether or not he’d play, Auston Matthews made his return to the lineup. The star center is coming off a concussion and after a 4-2 loss to Columbus; the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking for a rebound win as the head into the break.
Their first encounter early in the season turned into a high scoring affair at the Air Canada Centre. As the scene switched to Madison Square Garden, the high goal scoring didn’t appear to follow. Nonetheless, the drama did as both teams would battle in another close game.
First Period
The New York Rangers controlled the puck for the first half of the period leading to a powerplay opportunity. After a delay of game penalty by Ron Hainsey, Roman Polak went to the box for boarding; giving New York a five on three early in the game. Toronto would kill the penalty and create momentum as they would get their own time on the power play; however, a Morgan Rielly penalty would negate it midway through.
Toronto would takeover puck possession for the remainder of the period with a 65% Corsi-For Percentage. With their puck on their stick, Toronto would have an exchange of power plays with New York. After coming back from a concussion, Matthews would make his presence known early.
After a reunion with William Nylander on the first line, both made sure Mike Babcock keeps the duo together by scoring the game’s opening goal. As he went around Henrik Lundqvist net, he set up William Nylander near the face-off circle.
34 ➡️ 29 ➡️ 🚨#TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/tRbDsVeMSj
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 24, 2017
Second Period
Toronto would open the second period on the powerplay and would take make it 2-0 courtesy of Ron Hainsey. The 36-year-old displayed his offensive skill as his one-timer made it past Lundqvist. After a breakout performance against Carolina and Columbus, Marner appears to have found his groove. With Hainsey’s goal, it would mark Mitch Marner’s sixth point in his last three games.
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Up 2-0, Toronto had the game under control until a mishap would welcome New York back into the game. After Frederik Andersen misplayed a pass from Jake Gardiner, Jimmy Vesey would take advantage and make it 2-1. Vesey was on the verge of striking again on a two on one break, but Andersen would deny him.
With 54% CF, New York was well on their way to tying the game up with their possession and scoring opportunities. It would all be wiped away by Matthews who again was making his presence known. New York’s defense left the 20-year-old by his lonesome in front of Lundqvist net and made them pay.
Auston. Matthews. #StandWitness pic.twitter.com/HcLAK4b7eX
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 24, 2017
Third Period
Being down 3-1, New York came out firing with shots towards Andersen’s net. They finally cracked through as Toronto couldn’t get the puck out of their zone. This lead to Pavel Buchnevich setting up JT Miller who fired one past Andersen to make it 3-2.
Michael Grabner would tie the game, or so it appeared. After New York celebrated, Mike Babcock challenge the call on the ice. Video replay would show that Kevin Hayes was offside, thus negating the goal. Instead of a tie game, Toronto’s lead remained intact.
The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to continue their possession of the puck with a 53% CF but couldn’t close the deal on their scoring chances. Henrik Lundqvist made sure to keep it a one-goal game, and in the final minutes, New York made a push. Nonetheless, Toronto is heading into the break with two points as the win in Matthews return.
Next: Toronto Marlies Notebook: Weekly Update
Next Game
With a few days off, the Toronto Maple Leafs will resume their road trip in the desert as they head to Matthews home state of Arizona. They will do battle with the Arizona Coyotes who took two points from them in the first meeting. As the year winds down, Toronto will try to end their 2017 on a high note as well.