John Tavares continued his hot streak as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the LA Kings 3-1 in a gritty performance on Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena. With the win, the Leafs reclaimed top spot in the Atlantic Division, leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers locked up in the second and third spots.
The win was especially encouraging as it seemed like the Leafs offense was dead on the night. But then, Auston Matthews broke through with one of the grittiest goals of the season. Early in the third period, Matthews scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game.
The shortie was a crucial one, especially since Matthews didn’t give up on the play. He followed the puck even after missing the initial breakaway chance. He stayed with the play and ended up with the game-tying goal.
Moments later, Matthews was at it again, setting up John Tavares for the game-winner on the power play. Matthews took the shot on the goal, but it was Tavares who picked up the loose puck and popped it home for the go-ahead goal. Tavares added an empty-netter to seal the victory.
Overall, the Leafs won a must-win game. The victory put them back into first place in the Atlantic with nine games to go. If Matthews and Tavares can continue their strong play down the stretch and into the playoffs, the Leafs have a very good chance at making it at least past the first round.
Most importantly, claiming first place would sidestep the carnage that would be a first-round matchup against either the Panthers or Lightning.
Matthews stepping up as Toronto Maple Leafs undisputed leader
Heading into this season, one of the biggest storylines was the transition in the Toronto Maple Leafs captaincy. John Tavares had willingly ceded the “C” to Auston Matthews in what looked like a friendly gesture in passing the torch.
While Matthews got off to a rough start this season particularly due to injuries, Matthews has stepped up into a leadership role that goes beyond scoring goals. He’s quietly put up 30 goals this season and is scoring above a point-per-game pace.
Indeed, Matthews has blossomed into one of the most effective NHL captains in the league. His tough, gritty play has meshed with his extremely underrated defensive game. Fans don't give Matthews enough credit for his defensive side.
That side was evident against the Kings, scoring that shorthanded goal to tie the game. When judging Matthews’ entire game, it’s hard not to place him above other superstars like Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon.
Sure, MacKinnon and McDavid can score 100 points per season, seemingly at will. But they lack the grit and well-rounded game that make Matthews a truly unique talent. If he can have a monster postseason, along with William Nylander and Mitch Marner, this could be the year that the Leafs finally break through in the postseason.
We’ll have to wait and see as the Leafs are currently on a collision course with the Ottawa Senators. An epic Battle of Ontario in the first round is something we’ve been missing for a long time.