Before Sunday's game against the Sabres, Domi had no goals and six assists through 22 games this season.
After 22 games without a goal, Max Domi finally found the back of the net with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.
It's been a difficult season for Domi. He missed eight games with a lower-body injury, and before that, the forward hadn't registered a point since Oct. 21 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
His goal, in Toronto's 5-3 win over the Sabres, clearly, meant a lot. However, when asked about getting the monkey off his back following the game, Domi said he was more worried about the win.
"A win's a win. Massive win. Obviously, coming from behind, it's not easy against a team like that. I give them credit," the 29-year-old said. "They came out flying. Felt good to get back into it and a huge win."
Even when asked if it puts ease in his game knowing he scored, Domi said: "That doesn't change anything. I just get ready to go for tomorrow."
Along with scoring, the forward assisted on Nick Robertson's first goal since Nov. 30. Before Sunday's game against Buffalo, the 23-year-old was a healthy scratch for four straight games.
"Yeah, it was awesome (to see). Bobby (McMann) was awesome too, I think. The three of us as a line, kind of talked, and we decided that, obviously, our strength is speed and skating," said Domi, "so hopefully all of us tried to do that to the best of our abilities, and then both of those guys were absolutely flying tonight."
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has been vocal about Domi's play this season. Aside from the injury, Toronto's coach has said several times that he wants to see the forward shoot the puck more, instead of being a "selfless player."
Domi finished with 15:25 of ice time, a goal and an assist, plus two shots on goal. After Sunday's win against Buffalo, Domi is averaging 1.26 shots per game this season.
Toronto's coach described how the forward is likely feeling after finally getting on the board this year with the Maple Leafs.
"It feels good, trust me. I mean, he's not happy he hasn't produced or scored. And we need him to," Berube said. "But we need him to play that style of game that he played tonight. That's the difference for me. Way more engaged."
