The Toronto Maple Leafs exploded for four goals in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night to notch a huge comeback win.
The game seemed destined for the rubbish bin when the Toronto Maple Leafs surrendered three first-period goals. During the first intermission, it seemed as though the Leafs had checked their game at the door.
But then, a switch went off. I’m not sure if Craig Berube peeled the paint off the walls during that first intermission. Whatever he said or did, it got the Leafs going.
The team came out much more composed and structured, ready to give the Habs a run for their money.
Toronto Maple Leafs Defeat the Habs in Endlessly Entertaining Game
Bobby McMann managed to break through the Habs’ defensive scheme, scoring at the 9:32 mark of the second. Getting a goal from one of the worker bees was crucial as it set up the Leafs for a seven-goal run that capped off the epic comeback.
Things got interesting when Nick Robertson scored a power play goal late in the second. The reaction on Robertson’s face was one of joy and relief as he rewarded his coach’s faith in him. Robertson’s goal set the tone for the four-goal third-period outburst that gave the Leafs their 29th win of the season and got them across 60 points on the year.
Most importantly, the Leafs were able to knock off a Montreal team that has beaten other top clubs this season like the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals. Given how well the Habs have played of all, the comeback win is an encouraging sign for the Leafs as it proves the club can make crucial in-game adjustments.
It remains to be seen if Saturday night’s effort can carry over into the Leafs’ next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Joseph Woll Kept Toronto Maple Leafs in the Game
Despite the huge comeback effort from everyone on the ice, a special shoutout must go to Joseph Woll. Even with the Leafs holding a 6-3 lead, Woll was huge. He made two crucial saves that preserved the Leafs comfortable lead.
First, there was the highlight-reel save on Nick Suzuki. Woll dove across the crease to get a piece of the puck with the knob of his stick to keep Suzuki from scoring in the wide-open cage.
Then, Woll made another key stop against Cole Caufield at the side of the night. Caufield might have scored if he had gotten more on the shot. Instead, Woll got the big right pad out and kept the lead.
During that sequence in the third, the Canadiens could have easily made it a 6-5 game. That situation would have set up a tight finish in which the Habs could have made the game much closer than it had to be.
Woll stood tall and shut the door. Beyond the evident acrobatic saves, Woll, and Anthony Stolarz, as well, has given the Toronto Maple Leafs something the team has lacked over the last few seasons: A reliable goaltender who can be trusted upon to keep the team in the game regardless of the score.
The Leafs rallied around Woll and took home a lopsided win that was the result of a full-team effort.