The most interesting scenario heading into this last stretch for the Toronto Maple Leafs is that they have earned three points in their last two road games. It is an encouraging feat because the Leafs faced two tough Western Conference teams, and the system worked well even though they didn’t beat Vegas.
Last Thursday, the Maple Leafs got off to a good start against the Vegas Golden Knights, taking a commanding three-goal lead in the first period. But the Knights made a three-goal comeback to tie the game and then won in a shootout. The Leafs pushed them to the limit and earned a point. The Leafs’ youngsters showed strong effort.
Then came the contest against the Colorado Avalanche Avalanche this past Saturday, where the team dominated and won 6-3 on the road on a five-point night from William Nylander. A game that is starting to define the Maple Leafs team and its organization. An underdog squad delivered a complete team effort. Losing defenseman Chris Tanev to injury was an unfortunate situation, who was a big help in the past three games to date.
His leadership and effort sparked the offense in every contest, and his absence will be a huge blow. As for the three points, they keep the Maple Leafs in contention with the three other teams in the Atlantic Division. Leading the way are ahead of the Maple Leafs as of now are the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.
Maple Leafs Stay Within Reach Of Atlantic Division Opponents
Toronto’s Last Three Points Show An Encouraging Trend
As of Tuesday morning, The Leafs currently have 7 points in their Division, sitting in fourth place. That puts them in good shape, with one more road stop in Utah against the Mammoth on Tuesday. The three points they have taken show the Leafs’ roster is built to handle tougher opponents down the stretch and could outlast them in crucial games. This also shows the Maple Leafs can compete at an elite level.
The Leafs hold the first wild-card spot and can only improve their record and seek retribution against the teams that have a game on them. The question is what road head coach Jim Hiller will use to prime his players as the season progresses. One question is how GM John Chayka and coach Hiller will address the team’s physicality.
First question: Will captains Auston Matthews and Nylander play more minutes together? Who will fill a more regular second-line spot? What other formations does the coach have in store for this roster and its fans? This is where the questions will be answered, and the fans shall see these changes.
The Maple Leafs are a good team and can contend with the toughest opponents and it’s encouraging to see the players’ chemistry starting to develop. An issue that many thought would plague the team coming into the season was rookie Gavin McKenna‘s potential lack of ability to keep up in the league this year, but he’s somewhat silenced the critics by helping the club earn three points.
The Last Word
With the Maple Leafs sitting behind three teams in the Atlantic Division, time will tell how their chances improve as they head into the stretch run to the quarter mark of American Thanksgiving. A day that shall define most teams in the NHL. Also, how the defense will be tweaked at this stage, with Tanev sitting out for a while.
Main Image: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
