Maple Leafs news and rumors: Jarnkrok, Matthews, Marner and Woll
Haven’t we been here before? Again the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Tampa Bay Lightning and again Joseph Woll replaced Ilya Samsonov after Samsonov allowed a couple too many goals. And in the end, the Maple Leafs came back strong again to win the game in overtime.
The Maple Leafs pulled off a thrilling overtime win against the Lightning on Monday night. The top line, led by two goals from Auston Matthews, proved to be the key to the return of the Maple Leafs. William Nylander literally waited until the last second to extend his franchise-record hitting streak to 12 games to start the season. He assisted on Calle Jarnkrok’s overtime winner with a great pass from Morgan Rielly.
As bad as the Maple Leafs looked in the first period, they looked just as good in the second and third periods. The game proved two things. First, how badly the Maple Leafs started the game. Second, the tenacious Maple Leafs didn’t want to make a play when they fell behind and looked terrible doing it.
With this win, the Maple Leafs ended a four-game losing streak. Now the big question is whether the team will gain momentum in the season. The game was chaotic and back and forth; However, it showed the scoring prowess of the Maple Leafs when they got things going and the team started skating and shooting.
What’s unique is that while the team got some important secondary points, it has yet to move forward with its defensive issues. Point One: Calle Jarnkrok kicks in the game winner
Jarnkrok played a key role in the Maple Leafs’ overtime victory, scoring two goals. That included the game winner in overtime. His overtime goal was his third of the season and came when he deflected a “Rielly shot/pass” past Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson.
Early in the third period, Jarnkrok tied the game at four by burying Nick Robertson’s shot. Jarnkrok provided exactly the kind of contribution his team needed to lift the Maple Leafs to a comeback win after trailing 4-1. Point Two: Auston Matthews now leaves the NHL with 13 goals
Without Matthews, there would be no fiery comeback. He gave the spark that lit the fire in the maple leaves. He had another outstanding performance with two goals and an assist. His offensive prowess (and perhaps more importantly his obvious emotion) was on display. He simply led the team’s comeback. Matthews’ goals helped cut the deficit, but also played an important role in reviving the Maple Leafs’ sad feelings. He gave them permission to believe that they had a chance of certain defeat. Matthews clearly emerged as the leader of this team with his consistent scoring and instructions to the crowd to join the team after his second goal.
Third Point: Mitch Marner had a four-point night
Mitch Marner continued his impressive play with four points for the second game in a row. Last night, he scored a nice opening goal in the third period and added three assists. Those points extended his hitting streak to seven games.
Together with Matthews, the offensive contributions of Marner were decisive to the return and final victory of the Maple Leafs. With five goals and 17 points in 12 games this season, Marner has jumped into the team’s scoring race. It only took eight points in two games for him to become the main player of that team again.
Four goals: Matthew Knies seems to be perfect for the top line
Matthew Knies had a remarkable game with a goal and two assists. His surprising offense played a huge role in the Maple Leafs offense. While I’m not Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, I can’t imagine Knies being moved anywhere in the lineup. He seems to be the perfect third partner on this very productive line.
Offensively, Knies has now scored three goals and added four assists (seven points) in 12 games. His performance against Tampa Bay will be especially fun for Maple Leafs fans. I’m sure Toronto would love to beat this team. Tampa Bay needs to keep an eye on Knies for their staff. The young man knows how to produce. I think his time in the top six has just begun.
Point Five: Joseph Woll was incredible again
Wol is a heroic deed. Given how important his role was in these two Maple Leafs comeback wins, I’m referring to the Lightning’s sister baseball team (the Tampa Bay Rays) and their strategy of throwing a starter for a few innings and then switching starters. . with a stronger crunch. It seems to be working in the NHL rivalry between these two teams. [Searching, by the way.]
Ilya Samsonov struggled in goal at times. However, Woll has now jumped to the rescue twice. He stopped 18 of 19 shots last night. Even better, he led the team and let them come back from a deficit. Woll’s strong performance gave the Maple Leafs a chance to get back into the game. Currently, he has established himself as the team’s starting goalkeeper.
What’s next for the Maple Leafs?
True, Samsonov struggled. Last night he scored four goals on 12 shots in just over 15 minutes. He was ejected from the game in a 4–1 loss to the Maple Leafs. In short, it was another difficult start for him. You can mentally see the stress (and confusion) on his face.
I thought about Kelly Hrudy’s comment a few games ago about how the goaltenders feel when they struggle. He noted that it was not a competition between goalkeepers on the same team and suggested that Woll’s solid performance allowed Samsonov to find his way. I hope the team’s coaching staff will give the young Russian goalkeeper enough time and space to do just that.
Now the big question and it must be asked again as the team
