The Toronto Maple Leafs extended their win streak to five games Tuesday night with a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
In all five of their wins during the win streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been outshot. I don't think many will care how often they're outshot because this team is finding ways to win games.
With this win, the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic with a 27-13-2 record and 56 points.
Joseph Woll stopped 30 of 32 shots while the Leafs got goals from Tavares, Matthews and Knies to take the two points (Stats from NHL.com).
Maple Leafs Win Despite a Lacklustre Performance
This was far from the Leafs best game. The first period was abysmal where they were outshot 10-2 and went into the second period trailing 1-0. As the game went on, they played better, but I don't think we ever saw their best.
Joseph Woll was the best player on the ice for Toronto tonight. He was composed all game and made a few huge saves in high-danger situations. High-level performances from goalies have been there pretty much all year for the Leafs. When Woll is playing, he is worth every penny of the 3.67 million dollar extension Brad Treliving gave him that kicks in next season (Salary stats from PuckPedia.com).
Woll is good enough to be this team's starter. His health is a concern and before Stolarz got hurt, he was outstanding, so there is no need to make him a starter. Having two great goalies is a great problem to have and when both are healthy, that is what the Leafs have had this year.
Another positive to come out of the game despite the mediocre performance was Auston Matthews scoring again. Since his return from injury, Matthews has posted two goals and five assists for seven points in three games. He has looked great in these three games, and it has been by far his best hockey this season.
The Leafs got more offense from their defense core today with Rielly and Meyers getting the two assists on the game-winning goal. Rielly had a good shot through a screen on a goal that Matthew Knies was able to redirect into the back of the net.
Although they won, there is no denying they played poorly. Nylander looked off again, and it seems as though he is going through his yearly mid-season slump. Timmins showed why I don't feel comfortable with him in the playoffs with yet another tough game and a brutal giveaway on the second goal. Robertson being scratched for Reaves was absurd, although I understood the thinking to get him in the game, but Robertson has been fantastic for a while now.
I understand wanting Reaves in the game today but scratching Robertson is disappointing. I know he’s a smaller guy and isn’t very physical but he has been very good for a while now. Wish they would’ve scratched somebody on the fourth line to get Reaves in. #Leafs #LeafsForever
— Matteo Giuliano (@MatteoG29_) January 7, 2025
We are 42 games through the year and Ryan Reaves has not fought this season. Connor Dewar stepped up tonight and did pretty well, to my surprise. I mentioned the Leafs should have scratched Dewar instead of Robertson to make room for Reaves on Twitter before the game and Dewar ended up doing Reaves' job for him. Reaves was on the ice for the first goal tonight and provided no spark. No fights, no big hits. He is making 1.35 million and this team is more effective without him in the lineup. Treliving needs to make a move.
The Leafs are in Carolina on Thursday as they look to extend their win streak to six games.