What makes this 2020-21 Toronto Maple Leafs different from previous iterations is their resilience. After catching the injury bug multiple times and falling into a 1-6 losing slump, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been able to bounce back every single time. Now, less than a week from the trade deadline, the Leafs are a single point away from possessing the NHL’s best overall record.
Sheldon Keefe has proved all the naysayers wrong by providing the club with something they haven’t had for over a decade; consistency. Since January, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not fallen out of the top position of the NHL’s North Division. With an 8-game point streak, the Leafs are being given the opportunity to cement their lead as the best Canadian team this season.
But tonight’s 7:30PM EST game on Sporstnet will not be easy. Since coming out of their health and safety protocols, the club has gone 3-1 in their last four games. Delivering two losses to the previously red hot Edmonton Oilers. With Michael Hutchinson in net, the Leafs (-145) will need to a solid performance on both sides of the puck to defeat a new-look Montreal Canadians and Eric Staal.
In a game of massive momentum shifts, the Leafs wound up on top – surviving a late game push by the Montreal Canadiens. Despite an impressive early start, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offensive effort completely collapsed during the second period; losing 17-4 in terms of shots on goal.
Fortunately for the Leafs, however, like last game, Jack Campbell was perfect. Stopping 32 of 34 shots on goal, the Leafs goaltender put up another .940-plus performance in net. Extending his winning streak to 10 games, Jack Campbell set a franchise record for most consecutive wins by a starting goaltender. Now with a 7-point lead on the second place Edmonton Oilers, the Toronto Maple Leafs currently have the best record in the NHL.
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