The Toronto Maple Leafs won their second game in a row, after losing three in a row, and complete a road-sweep of Alberta teams last night by beating the Calgary Flames 6-3.
The Maple Leafs had no business beating the Oilers on Saturday, but a lucky win seemed to spur them and they were by far the best team Tuesday in Calgary.
The Leafs had a great energy from the start when Bobby McMann almost scored on a breakaway, and they scored two power-play goals, and allowed only a single 5v5 goal *(2 of Calgary's goals were on 5 on 3s) so they should be very happy with their play.
With the specter of Anthony Stolarz coming back hanging over his head, Joseph Woll turned in another strong performance and should, at worst, be splitting the net when Stolarz is healthy. (stats naturalstattrick.com).
The Toronto Maple Leafs Ideal Game - Everything Clicks Despite Marner Injury
Morgan Rielly had a great game. He's been a scapegoat lately despite some strong play, and having some of the best numbers on the team in the last two months. Last night the Leafs won 2-0 when he played and he posted an insane 89% expected goals rating.
Nylander's hattrick, Bobby McMann's speed, and Joseph Woll's play. I also like Auston Matthews turn as a playmaker - he has five assists in his last two games.
Domi didn't score, but he looked great on Matthews wing, which is where he should play every game from now on. The Matthews line looked great, and it's important to note that it took an injury to Marner to finally make Craig Berube make smarter lines.
It was also really good how the Toronto Maple Leafs responded without Marner, and that OEL was a surprise appearance in the game. I am not a fan that the Leafs signed him, but he's at least playing fairly well right now.
Finally, a word should be said about the line of Robertson, Holmberg and McMann - in six and a half minutes together they attempted 13 shots and Calgary attempted 2. This level of third ine dominance has hardly been seen at all this season, and it would be amazing if this was a line that took off.
Finally, I would say this was one of the Leafs better games overall, and I only really have 2 negative things to say: Max Pacioretty is dunzo, and the NHL calls off too many goals. Otherwise, great game.