The Toronto Maple Leafs have had significant variance in terms of their win and loss streaks. Fortunately, their win streaks have been much longer and much more fruitful. However, they have made what could have been a static standings finish into a very interesting playoff race.
After only obtaining one point in their last three games, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to strike big versus the recently resurrected Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks have been absolutely decimated by COVID-19, and are the only instance of a Canadian NHL team being affected this significantly.
As the Canucks begin an unimaginable stretch of games – 19 in 31 days – they will look to return strong in their Northern division matchup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (-320) will be gaining a roster boost this evening with return of William Nylander and Auston Matthews in the lineup.
Unlike the Leafs’ last game versus the Jets, the boys in blue had all the offence but none of the results. Brayden Holtby made 37 saves on 39 shots, including a shot that he oh-so-carefully hid in his pads after it went past the goal line. Had this goal been counted, the Leafs would have won the game in regulation. Unfortunately, after further review, there was not enough visual evidence to indicate that the puck had crossed the goal line.
As much as one would like to criticize the Toronto Maple Leafs performance tonight, there weren’t that many holes. They limited the Canucks to 24 shots, took 39 themselves, and had 5 power play opportunities. If anything, the Leafs lost this game because of Holtby’s stellar performance in net as well as their crippling power play.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to battle in one-goal games, the team will have to sort out its special teams come playoff time. Hopefully, Nick Foligno can help with that.
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