Postgame Report: Maple Leafs' Stars Beat the Stars 4-1
Welcome to my Toronto Maple Leafs postgame report where I give you my thoughts, feelings, and analysis about each Leafs game. Whether you missed the game or want my opinion on what transpired, I’ve got you covered.
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Now, onto the Maple Leafs’ game versus the Stars!
1st Period - Maple Leafs Down to 5 Defence Early
Well, that period was similar to the third period against the Washington Capitals, which was relatively boring. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs did get on the board with a goal from Morgan Rielly, giving them the lead heading into the intermission.
Unfortunately, Jake McCabe hurt himself on the first shift, going back to beat an icing call. He tested it out quickly but had to leave the game and didn’t return. The Maple Leafs are now down to five defencemen, which means elevated minutes for the rest of the back end.
2nd Period - Marner Finds the Back of the Net Late
Unfortunately, when the Maple Leafs play teams like the Dallas Stars, the games typically aren’t very eventful, and that is what we have tonight. Marner did give the Maple Leafs the lead heading into the third, but other than that, there isn’t a lot going on.
I will give Joseph Woll his daily dose of praise. Woll has been amazing and has held the Stars to only one goal this game. If it weren’t for him, the game could easily be four, five, to two.
The Maple Leafs haven’t played the best this game; they struggled at the start of the second as the Stars controlled the pace of play. However, they did turn it around about halfway through and eventually would go on to keep some pressure and later score.
3rd Period - Maple Leafs Lock it Down, Again
Another third period, another coach’s dream. The Maple Leafs lock it down against the Stars again.
Matthews Knies’ diving effort to keep the puck in the zone on the Maple Leafs’ four-minute power play was insane, which led to Tyler Bertuzzi’s goal to give the Maple Leafs a 3-1 lead.
The boys in blue didn’t play the best defensively, but a win is a win. Well, technically, no; the coaches may not like the mistakes. However, if they can work on limiting those when it matters, then a win is a win, especially this earlier in the year when you need the points.
John Tavares scored again on the empty net to extend his point streak to seven games and iced the game for his club, 4-1.
Star of the Game:
This one is tough to pick, so I’ll choose two. Both Rielly and Woll were excellent tonight. They both put the team on their back and carried them to the finish line.
Rielly’s Stat Line:
1 G 1A 2P +2 26:13 TOI
Woll’s Stat Line:
1GA 32SV .969SV%
Final Thoughts:
Nylander and Tavares extend their point streaks to seven games
Morgan Rielly has goals in back-to-back games
Maple Leafs can build off of this game - locked it down defensively, again
Samsonov is pencilled into to start against Nashville on Saturday
Joseph Woll was outstanding yet again