Final night time, William Nylander had a standout recreation. He put up his second profession hat trick to guide the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Nylander’s objectives have been the sport’s spotlight as Toronto gained floor on Florida within the Atlantic Division, transferring to only one level behind the Panthers with two video games in hand.
Along with Nylander’s three objectives, 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 objective, however each have been overturned after video opinions.
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The Flames’ particular groups scored on two of 5 power-play probabilities however, ultimately, 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 group gave the Flames 5 energy performs earlier than half the sport was over. The Flames scored on two of them. As at all times, nonetheless, Woll simply shut his eyes, took a deep breath, let it out, and went again to work. His capacity to remain composed beneath stress was key in serving to his group 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 proportion. To date, so good with accidents. Nonetheless, it is going to be good to have Anthony Stolarz again from his knee damage. That return would possibly occur as quickly as Thursday. The extra depth within the crease will give the Maple Leafs a powerful goaltending tandem. Till then, give Woll credit score for his regular play. It’s been an important issue within the group’s sturdy 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 objectives pumped his season’s whole 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 have been knotted at 2-2. Nonetheless, his objectives pushed the group forward to remain. His current scorching streak now stands at 9 objectives and 11 factors over his final eight video games, and he’s scored 5 objectives 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 remaining stretch, Nylander is likely one of 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 taking part in in his 600th NHL recreation and placing up a three-assist recreation. Matthews has now totaled 692 factors (388 objectives, 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 objectives, together with Nylander’s hat-trick objective. Matthews is in prime type; his 5 assists in his final two video games lifted his season whole to 43 factors (together with 20 objectives).
With Mitch Marner sidelined as a consequence of damage, Matthews stepped as much as develop into the first facilitator for the group’s offence. His on-ice imaginative and prescient and elite passing helped drive the group’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 transient. Ekman-Larsson has been a key participant within the Maple Leafs lineup. With a plus-16 ranking (Chris Tanev is the very best at plus-20), he’s a gentle defensive presence. On the identical time, he’s added 21 factors (three objectives, 18 assists) in 52 video games. He’s been value-added to the group this season.
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The Maple Leafs play the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night time after which throughout the border again to Canada to play the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
