The Toronto Maple Leafs third line played a significant role in leading the team past one of the best clubs in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars.
For the second game in a row, Max Domi and Nick Robertson scored. Most importantly, the Maple Leafs picked up the win despite being outplayed for most of the night.
Joseph Woll was the story on the night, earning the game’s first star. Woll earned the game’s top star with a truly excellent performance. No matter what Dallas threw at him, Woll was up to the task, buying the Leafs enough time to get back into the game.
Case in point: The second period. With the game tied at one heading into the middle frame, Evgenii Dadonov scored 22 seconds into the period. Suddenly, thoughts of a Leafs collapse came to mind. Instead, Woll stood tough, giving the Leafs a chance to come back.
That confidence allowed the Toronto Maple Leafs to explode for three unanswered goals in the period, with William Nylander, Robertson, and Bobby McMann putting the Leafs up 4-2 heading into the second intermission.
Woll then shut the door as the Leafs nursed a two-goal lead. A fabulous breakaway save on Roope Hintz and then a spectacular glove stop on a 2-on-1 punctuated the Woll’s exceptional night.
Joseph Woll was the reason the Leafs won on Wednesday night despite being outshot 39-19.
NIck Robertson Leads Maple Leafs Past Dallas Stars
The Leafs have not recieved pracitcally any scoring from the third or fourth line this year, but last night it was the third line that came up huge for the Leafs against the Dallas Stars.
The much-maligned Robertson and Domi have now scored in back-to-back games, giving the Leafs the depth scoring the club desperately needs.
Domi tied the game in the first, and then Robertson, after giving the puck away, retrieved it and buried a shot past Jake Oettinger.
McMann’s goal made Oettinger look foolish, essentially sealing his fate on Wednesday night. Oettinger would be pulled during the second intermission, with Casey DeSmith taking over in the third for Dallas.
The Leafs play three more games before the Holiday break, and have won four out of their last five games. They haven't won every game going away, but the team is winning and that’s what matters.
The Leafs will look to continue their hot streak tomorrow night against the Buffalo Sabres.