The Toronto Maple Leafs came from behind to win for the second time in a row on Saturday night. Last time out, the Washington Capitals were the victims. This time around, it was the Edmonton Oilers who fell victim to a Leaf comeback.
Mitch Marner scored 40 seconds into overtime to seal the victory. But this wasn’t an ordinary win. It was arguably the Leafs best game of the season for one specific reason: The Toronto Maple Leafs showed tremendous resilience.
The Leafs have not had the look of a team that can come from behind so far this year, so these last two games have been very encouraging. This time around the Leafs hung tough and made most of their chances. With the Edmonton leading 2-1 in the third, Matthew Knies made the most of a tremendous gaffe by Evan Bouchard to tie the game. Then, Bobby McMann scored his second of the game on a highlight-reel goal to give the Leafs a 3-2 lead.
Despite allowing the equaliser late in the game, the combination of Anthony Stolarz’s clutch goaltending and Marner’s heroics in overtime propelled the Leafs to their second comeback win in as many nights.
McMann proving his value to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Bobby McMann’s impact on the ice has grown alongside his confidence. McMann has been up and down the lineup this year, lacking a clear role. But it’s been Max Pacioretty’s recent injury that’s given McMann the best chance he’s had this year to prove his worth.
His two goals against the Oilers highlight how talented and valuable he can be on the team. Similarly, John Tavares seems rejuvenated this year, although not everyone thought he was washed. The Marner overtime goal was proof of that. Marner flew up the ice like a bat out of hell, with Tavares keeping stride up the middle. I didn’t think Tavares would keep up. But because he did, Marner was able to fool Stuart Skinner for the winner.
That was the key. The fact that Tavares was right there with Marner, it allowed Marner to sell the pass. Marner faked the cross-ice pass for just a second, then fired the shot off the post and in. In fact, Skinner’s frustration was evident as he immediately realised Marner had duped him with the shot.
If there was any doubt that the Leafs are a different team this year, the last two outings have proved it. The Leafs are no longer the high-flying, puck-possession-driven team that does whatever it wants on the ice.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing playoff-style hockey in November. Craig Berube is taking a collection of talented players and transforming them into warriors who could take on teams like the Edmonton Oilers and punish them for their mistakes.