Final evening, William Nylander had a standout recreation. He put up his second profession hat trick to steer the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Nylander’s targets had been the sport’s spotlight as Toronto gained floor on Florida within the Atlantic Division, shifting to only one level behind the Panthers with two video games in hand.
Along with Nylander’s three targets, John Tavares, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies scored for Toronto. Auston Matthews registered three assists, and Joseph Woll made 23 saves. The sport noticed a little bit of early exhilaration and letdown for each groups. Every believed they’d scored the sport’s opening purpose, however each had been overturned after video evaluations.
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The Flames’ particular groups scored on two of 5 power-play possibilities however, in the long run, couldn’t sustain with the Maple Leafs’ offensive assault. With the win, Toronto additional solidified its playoff place, and Calgary stays within the hunt for the Western Convention’s wild card spot.
Merchandise One: Joseph Woll Get One other Win
Though the numbers don’t corroborate it, Woll had one other stable recreation within the crease. He made 23 saves in a recreation the place his staff gave the Flames 5 energy performs earlier than half the sport was over. The Flames scored on two of them. As at all times, nevertheless, Woll simply shut his eyes, took a deep breath, let it out, and went again to work. His means to remain composed below strain was key in serving to his staff maintain their lead all through the sport.
Woll has been spectacular. He’s closing in on 20 wins (final season, he had 12). He’s put up a stable 2.66 goals-against common and a .909 save share. Thus far, so good with accidents. Nonetheless, it is going to be good to have Anthony Stolarz again from his knee damage. That return may occur as quickly as Thursday. The extra depth within the crease will give the Maple Leafs a robust goaltending tandem. Till then, give Woll credit score for his regular play. It’s been a vital issue within the staff’s robust common season.
Merchandise Two: William Nylander Scores His First Three Objectives in Calgary
As famous, Nylander was undeniably the star of the sport. He scored his second profession hat trick within the Maple Leafs’ 6-3 win in Calgary. The three targets pumped his season’s complete to 33, which is second within the NHL, simply 4 behind Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl. [Is there any chance Toronto’s slick Swede can catch Edmonton’s giant German?]
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Till Nylander started his heroics, the Maple Leafs had been knotted at 2-2. Nevertheless, his targets pushed the staff forward to remain. His latest scorching streak now stands at 9 targets and 11 factors over his final eight video games, and he’s scored 5 targets in a three-game interval.
Nylander had by no means scored in his hometown (He was born in Calgary when his dad, Michael, performed for the Flames). His dominant play has helped his Maple Leafs chase down the highest spots within the standings. Because the season enters its last stretch, Nylander is among the league’s most harmful forwards.
Merchandise Three: Auston Matthews Performs Mitch Marner in Calgary
Auston Matthews didn’t rating however performed a key position within the Maple Leafs’ win. He celebrated a milestone by enjoying in his 600th NHL recreation and placing up a three-assist recreation. Matthews has now totaled 692 factors (388 targets, 304 assists) throughout his first 600 video games. It’s essentially the most by any Toronto participant in a 600-game span. His playmaking helped arrange key targets, together with Nylander’s hat-trick purpose. Matthews is in high kind; his 5 assists in his final two video games lifted his season complete to 43 factors (together with 20 targets).
With Mitch Marner sidelined attributable to damage, Matthews stepped as much as grow to be the first facilitator for the staff’s offence. His on-ice imaginative and prescient and elite passing helped drive the staff’s offence. His contributions helped the Maple Leafs break open a decent recreation.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
It was nice to see Oliver Ekman-Larsson (decrease physique) return to the lineup for the Maple Leafs towards the Flames. He was injured in Saturday’s recreation towards the Oilers, however his absence was temporary. Ekman-Larsson has been a key participant within the Maple Leafs lineup. With a plus-16 score (Chris Tanev is the best at plus-20), he’s a gradual defensive presence. On the identical time, he’s added 21 factors (three targets, 18 assists) in 52 video games. He’s been value-added to the staff this season.
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The Maple Leafs play the Seattle Kraken on Thursday evening after which throughout the border again to Canada to play the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
