The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off an improbable comeback on Thursday night, getting back in the win column and taking down one of the NHL's hottest teams in the process. After an inconsistent season so far, winning three games in a row quite handily, before getting chased out of their own building and getting shut out against Ottawa.
In another game that looked destined for a loss, the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied overcame a 3-1 deficit in the final five minutes of the game and took the W in overtime.
In a season that has so far been very disappointing, and in which come-from-behind victories have been in short order, this game was a breath of fresh air.
Here's why this win was the most important of the season so far.
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Big Boys Pull Through
With Auston Matthews still sidelined, the stars had more pressure than ever to pull through and carry the team to a victory. And oh boy, they did, Bobby McMann opened the scoring, with William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares scored three unanswered goals, carrying the team to a victory.
For a team who's known for their lack of cluth abilities, this win has to give them some confidence come playoff time, right?
Joseph Woll Stands Tall
Anthony Stolarz has (very deservedly) gotten most of the attention on the Leafs for his strong play between the pipes, but Joseph Woll has had a solid start to his season, especially when you consider that he went so long and suffered two seperate injuries between starting game six last year in the playoffs and playing his first game this year.
In between his inconsistent play from the end of last season, his numerous injuries, and Stolarz' amazing play, Woll has slowly become forgotten. He's off to a 3-1 start, with a solid 2.40 GAA and .902 SV%. Is it amazing? No. But it is promising for sure, and he's looking like a perfect 1B behind Stolarz.
Staying Afloat in the Standings
The win gives the Leafs a solidified spot at #2 in the Atlantic Division, with a comfortable four points ahead of the Boston Bruins who are in third. A 10-6-2 start to the season is pretty solid, and their pursuit of first in the division is still fully achievable, and this win is exactly what the team needed.
The Leafs will look to keep their winning ways up against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.