Toronto's second line combined for seven points in their win over the Rangers, tying them for first in the Atlantic Division.
Mar 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores a goal against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs may have got a few lucky bounces in their win against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, but each of their goals in their 4-3 win in New York the following night was the definition of hard work.
John Tavares notched a pair of goals and an assist, giving him a milestone of 1,100 career points. Bobby McMann and Matthew Knies followed up with their own goals, pushing Toronto past a desperate New York Rangers team that was well-rested.
The Maple Leafs started strong, registering half of their shots (14) in the first period. Linemates Tavares and McMann scored Toronto's goals in the opening frame.
"I thought that we came out of the gates really good on our toes. We played last night too, so sometimes you wonder how we're going to come out. But we came out and we were working right away and doing the right things and took hold of the game, in my opinion," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game.
"We had the lead and kept the lead and got up in a second (period) again, and I thought a third period was really solid. I mean, we gave up that 6-on-5 goal, but overall it was a solid period."
Returning McMann to the second line with Tavares and Nylander has paid dividends. The 28-year-old rejoined the trio during their win against the Avalanche, which he noted was a confidence-boosting game for the team.
McMann registered an assist with his goal inside Madison Square Garden on Thursday.
"I think we fed off the momentum of the previous game a little bit. We saw what we can do against really good teams, and that's just pressuring hard and being relentless and being aggressive," he said.
"I think sometimes we can sit back a little bit. Maybe we did that a little bit in the first yesterday, but today we're right from the get-go we're going."
Toronto's second line combined for seven points — three goals and four assists — and 11 shots against the Rangers, a team battling for one of the final wild card spots in the Eastern Conference.
The Maple Leafs' win on Thursday brought them to 87 points through 69 games. The Florida Panthers also won, keeping them tied with Toronto in points but holding the tiebreaker, which is regulation wins.
Nevertheless, playing like this against the Rangers, Avalanche, and Calgary Flames this week will give Toronto confidence entering the final 13 games of the regular season.
And they still have their eyes on finishing first in the Atlantic Division.
"I think it's important. We're right there, and we've been right there all year," Jake McCabe, who had three assists in New York said. "Home ice in the playoffs. You always want to come in first no matter what you do. This is no different in the division."
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