Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Woll, OEL, McMann & Marner
The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a remarkable comeback, scoring seven unanswered goals to erase a 3-0 first-period deficit and defeat the Montreal Canadiens 7-3. Before this game, the Canadiens had been in excellent form, making this loss surprising. The Maple Leafs demonstrated their scoring depth, with contributions from seven different players, suggesting they might be able to distribute scoring effectively across all lines when playing at their best.
Game Summary
Montreal started strong, with goals from Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Josh Anderson in the first period, but their offense stalled afterward. Toronto responded with a powerful offensive display, particularly in the third period, where they scored five goals. Goalie Joseph Woll played a crucial role, making 32 saves and holding Montreal scoreless after the first period. His performance allowed the Maple Leafs to seize control in the latter stages of the game.
Scorers and Contributions
The scoring for Toronto highlighted the team’s depth. Bobby McMann kickstarted the comeback with an unassisted goal and also recorded an assist. Nicholas Robertson reduced the deficit to 3-2, and William Nylander tied the game early in the third period with a breakaway goal. Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored the go-ahead power-play goal and finished the game with three points. Auston Matthews extended the lead with a short-handed goal, Steven Lorentz ended a nine-game scoring drought with a goal, and David Kampf sealed the win with a short-handed empty-netter.
Player Performances
Joseph Woll
Despite a shaky start, allowing three goals in the first period, Woll recovered impressively, stopping 32 of 35 shots. After a challenging stretch where he conceded 12 goals over three games, Woll’s resilience stood out. With his workload increasing due to Anthony Stolarz’s knee injury, Woll is emerging as a key player in net. This game marked his 24th appearance of the season, close to surpassing his career high of 25 starts.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Ekman-Larsson ended a five-game pointless streak with a standout performance, scoring a power-play goal and adding two assists. His game-winner came on a shot through traffic early in the third period. This was his first three-point game since February 2022, and he now has 18 points in 46 games this season.
Bobby McMann
McMann played a pivotal role, scoring the Maple Leafs’ first goal and assisting on the game-tying goal by Nylander. Known for his physical style, McMann’s recent performances suggest he might be finding his scoring touch, with three points in his last two games after a six-game drought.
Mitch Marner
Marner extended his point streak to three games with two assists, including one on the penalty kill. His playmaking remains crucial for Toronto’s offense, as he has recorded 22 assists in his last 18 games. He now has 50 assists on the season, second in the NHL behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Team Depth and Potential
The game highlighted Toronto’s potential depth, with contributions from both top players and depth pieces. Steven Lorentz and David Kampf, despite modest offensive numbers this season, played critical roles in the victory. Lorentz’s physicality and Kampf’s defensive reliability were significant factors.
The team’s ability to get scoring from all four forward lines could be a game-changer. If this balance continues, it could make the Maple Leafs a more formidable opponent, especially in the postseason. Players like Pontus Holmberg, who recorded a power-play assist, and others in depth roles, also showed their value.
Looking Ahead
The Maple Leafs face a challenging matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday in a key divisional game. This win over Montreal could serve as a springboard for Toronto if they continue to receive balanced contributions from their roster. While the win was impressive, the question remains whether the team can sustain this level of performance and truly become a balanced, playoff-ready contender.
