In a very tidy 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Core Four of John Tavares, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander stepped up to break the team’s recent two-game losing streak.

In this post, I’ll look at the team’s so-called Core Four’s contributions to this particular game, and how each is doing during this season.

Tavares’ Spins and Scores: Maple Leafs Captain Nets Game-Winner in 4-1 Victory

In the tipping-point moment of the game, team captain John Tavares showed his ability by scoring the game-winning goal with a dazzling spin move in the left circle. Not only did he spin, but he also executed a precise shot under the bar. At the time, the teams were playing 4-on-4 hockey early in the second period. With his play last night, Tavares showed why he remains a valuable asset for the Maple Leafs. 

While the Maple Leafs’ captain might have slowed his goal-scoring this season compared with last season (he’s now scored 10 goals in 31 games compared to last year’s 36 in 80 games), his consistent point-per-game pace is remarkable. With 30 points in 31 games this season, Tavares has displayed consistent ability on the ice.Looking at his Maple Leafs career, Tavares now has 384 points, including 165 goals, in 391 games with the Blue & White. The only trouble fans have with him is that many believe he makes too much money. Still, no one can dispute his on-ice contributions and leadership qualities. He’s done everything within his power to help the team win, even amid challenges and market criticism.

Matthews Once Again Scored Two Goals in a Game

Auston Matthews is now the NHL’s leading goal-scorer with 28 goals in 30 games. Last night, he continued his extraordinary run with two goals and an assist. That extended his personal goal streak to seven games. With 12 goals in this stretch, Matthews opened the scoring in the first period with a powerful one-timer. He later widened the gap with a great power-play goal almost from the same spot. 

Matthews is not just scoring goals; he’s dominating the NHL goal-scoring race. Matthews has now begun conversations about the possibility of achieving the rare feat of 50 goals in 50 games. Currently, the Arizona native is on an amazing 76-goal pace. In that pace, he’s leaving goaltenders across the league in his wake. As well, his shooting percentage is off the charts – scoring on more than 20 percent of his shots on the net.

Nylander’s Streak Continues With Shorthanded Goal

William Nylander’s red-hot play gave him yet another game in his newest point-scoring streak. Last night, he scored a goal and added two assists to his total. Nylander’s been getting more time on the penalty kill, which only allows him to show his versatility in more situations.

His short-handed goal last night came during the third period. He now has put up 18 points, with four goals and 14 assists) in his newest 11-straight-game point streak. He’s also put up a total of 45 points this season (fourth-best in the NHL). He’s on a pace for a career-best 119-point season, which blows his career high of 87 points out of the water – amazingly by more than 30 points.

Marner’s Magic Is Feeding Matthews the Puck (Twice) Last Night 

Last night in the team’s 4-1 win over the Blue Jackets, Mitch Marner showcased his playmaking skills by contributing two assists (one coming on the power play). Many fans believe that Marner’s season has been disappointing. However, with 36 points (including 13 goals and 23 assists in 31 games) he’s been more than solid. 

Any misconceptions stem largely from a challenging November and the outstanding play of teammates Nylander and Matthews, who have set extraordinary paces this season. While Nylander boasts an impressive 119-point pace, and Matthews is on a scorching 76-goal pace, Marner’s consistent excellence is noteworthy. 

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