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Toronto Maple Leafs News and Notes, Player Stats and Quotes, Week 4.

By William Cann

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 6: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs heads back to the bench after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 6, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canucks 5-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 6: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs heads back to the bench after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 6, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canucks 5-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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LAVAL, QC – DECEMBER 28: Nicolas Petan #61 of the Toronto Marlies  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Player of the Week

Hello again, Nick Petan, it’s nice to finally see the real you sir.  He played in both games this week and I know it’s only a two game sample, but it’s worth highlighting anyway.  He’s put up 66.7 CF%, 70 FF%, 77.3 xG%, and he has not been scored on, as part of a new-look 4th line that is really playing well (all stats via naturalstatrick.com).

His assist on Thursday night was a beautiful saucer pass, during a perfectly executed 3 on 2, that set up Jason Spezza for his 2nd goal of the game.

That pass was was incredibly difficult and here is the Spezza hat trick video  for those that need another look at how much talent Petan really has.

Keefe has been searching for consistent production out of the 4th line all season, and he’s finally found it.

Is it a coincidence that Petan was inserted into the line-up for both games that the 4th line dominated play?  I watched the games, and Petan looked really good all over the ice.  I think he’s added some different chemistry to the line that both Spezza and Boyd have benefited from.

Keefe talked about how great his attitude has been even though he wasn’t even on the taxi squad to start the season.  Remember, Petan last played in an NHL game on 12-12-2019.  That’s almost 14 months.  He came in cold off that layoff and basically showed zero rust.  Zero.  It’s just worth noting how incredible that is.  That’s why he gets my player of the week.

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