The Toronto Maple Leafs took to the ice last night against the Anaheim Ducks, hoping to bounce back from their brutal performance against the New Jersey Devils. If anyone was celebrating that win, it was time to reconsider. The Maple Leafs looked disjointed and flat in that game, with only goalie Stolarz showing up. Tonight, Stolarz got the start again, with Joseph Woll relegated to backup duties, and Jake McCabe returned after a lengthy absence due to a puck to the head. Would the Leafs finally put together a full team effort? They did – well, sort of. The score of 3-2 was tight.
Quick Hit One: Pacioretty Shines, Maple Leafs Strike Early
The first period was a slow start, with few quality chances for either team, despite both needing the points. But the Maple Leafs opened the scoring with a beautiful play by Max Pacioretty, who scored with an assist from John Tavares. Tavares made a behind-the-back pass right to Pacioretty, who stretched to push the puck past the Ducks’ goalie. It was a nice goal for both players, showing what they could do together.
It wasn’t long before William Nylander added to the lead with his 18th of the season, batting a puck out of mid-air past the Ducks’ goalie off a pass from Pacioretty. Morgan Rielly also picked up an assist. The Maple Leafs were cruising. And, with Stolarz in the net, it looked like the game could be well in hand. Then disaster struck.
Quick Hit Two: Maple Leafs Have Goalie Injury Scare and Powerplay Problems
The Ducks capitalized on a weak Simon Benoit penalty call, and Stolarz—who had been outstanding up to that point—was beaten on a weak shot from the blue line. Worse yet, it looked like he injured his groin or thigh on the play. With the NHL’s save percentage leader out, Joseph Woll entered the game in the second period. The Ducks made a push. However, Pacioretty continued to be the star, scoring his fourth of the season on a tip-in from the point. Conor Timmins and John Tavares set the goal up beautifully, and that line was easily the best for the Maple Leafs tonight.
However, the Ducks weren’t done. They scored late in the second period on a screened shot past Woll. This came after a long shift for the top line and top defense pairing, showing the team’s fatigue and inconsistency.
Quick Hit Three: Maple Leafs First-Line Frustration
The Maple Leafs’ best line of the game were Nylander, Pacioretty, and Tavares. They continued to generate chances in the third period but couldn’t extend the lead. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were quiet, with Marner struggling to find his rhythm. Woll came up big with a key save on Alex Killorn when the Ducks broke in alone, but the defense looked tired in front of him.
With the Ducks pulling their goalie in the final minute, Marner had two empty-net chances, but both missed. The Maple Leafs closed it out, though it wasn’t without drama.
Quick Hit Four: What’s the Deal with Max Domi?
Max Domi’s season with the Maple Leafs has been disappointing, with his offensive and defensive struggles falling short of expectations. Brought in to add scoring and grit, he’s largely been invisible on the ice. That leaves many fans questioning his fit on the team.
However, it’s hard not to feel sympathetic toward Domi. With a deep personal connection to Toronto through his father, Tie Domi, a Maple Leafs legend, Max desperately wants to succeed in his hometown. The pressure of living up to his family’s legacy and high fan expectations must be immense.
Domi wants to contribute and succeed despite his struggles, but it’s been a frustrating road. Whether or not he stays in Toronto long-term remains uncertain, but it’s tough not to root for a guy who cares so much about his role with the Leafs and is trying his best to make an impact.
Related: JT Miller’s Courage to Walk Away from Canucks: Great Decision!
