The Toronto Maple Leafs built on their momentum following a shellacking of the Calgary Flames on Monday and a hard-fought win over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, defeating the New York Rangers 4-3 on the road. It wasn’t enough to take back sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, with the Florida Panthers picking up an overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets moments after the game ended, but let’s not focus on what was one of the few negatives from the evening.
The Maple Leafs appear to have found a new connection for Bobby McMann, with the latest version of the McMann-Tavares-Nylander line proving to be an immediate success. Tavares was at the forefront of everything, scoring two goals and adding an assist for his 1100th career point, bringing him to 29 goals and 60 points in 62 games this season. McMann scored a goal to bring him one shy of his first 20-goal season and added an assist, while Nylander notched two assists for a combined seven points from the line. Nylander’s performance helped him hit a milestone as well, making him the ninth player in Maple Leafs history to reach the 600 career point mark.
While McMann found some success playing alongside Max Domi and Nick Robertson a few nights ago, it’s become apparent that the more he plays the more he thrives. He is the best candidate to skate alongside Tavares and Nylander in the playoffs, assuming the top line is untouched, and at that point, you can bring Scott Laughton up to the third line with Domi and Robertson to add the physical presence and goal-scoring touch. Laughton is still looking for his first goal, and any sort of success with the Maple Leafs, but he’s looked more comfortable each game, so it’s only a matter of time before he pots that first one and harnesses his confidence.
Anthony Stolarz was solid in net and earned the team belt for best player of the game, as voted on by teammates. He let in two goals relatively early in the game, but locked in as the Rangers ramped up their pressure and made some key saves to keep them in it, stopping 27 of 30 shots in the end. The fact that both Woll and Stolarz are proving they can be equally as effective this late in the season despite their lack of regular season play in the past is an encouraging sign, and the fact that they’re regularly getting timely saves bodes well for the playoffs, too.
The Maple Leafs will look to make it four-straight victories on Saturday when they visit the Nashville Predators.
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