Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Bertuzzi, Matthews, Domi & Giordano – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Toronto Maple Leafs skated to a decisive 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night time, ending the Devils playoff aspirations. Auston Matthews scored his league-main 66th purpose, extending his purpose streak to 6 video games and level streak to 12 video games.
Related: Matthews Nets 66th Goal, Most in Salary Cap Era
Early within the contest, the Maple Leafs performed like that they had already punched their playoff ticket; nonetheless, they capitalized on lower than a minute of momentum to place the sport behind them. Defenseman Mark Giordano scored 9 seconds after ahead Tyler Bertuzzi late within the second interval and successfully pushed Toronto to the win.
Item 1: 3 Reasons the Maple Leafs Beat the Devils
The Maple Leafs beat the Devils for 3 causes. First, Matthews continued scoring. His 66th purpose supplied a vital go-forward cushion within the last interval to place the sport out of attain for New Jersey.
Second, the staff received depth scoring from Giordano and Bertuzzi. However, with Bertuzzi’s twenty first purpose (to associate with 21 assists), he’s hardly only a depth scorer anymore. Nick Robertson additionally scored his staff’s first purpose.
Finally, the staff performed protection effectively sufficient all through the sport. While there have been a number of breakdowns, the staff solely gave up two targets. They lastly gave Joseph Woll a number of targets to play with, and that was sufficient. The Maple Leafs stifled the Devils’ offensive alternatives to protect the lead all through the sport.
Item 2: Tyler Bertuzzi Is Thriving With Auston Matthews
Bertuzzi had a standout efficiency with two targets and an help. His partnership with Matthews and Max Domi on the highest line has grow to be a trio that the Maple Leafs appear able to experience into the postseason. This dynamic line has boosted Toronto’s offensive output. At the identical time, it has allowed the staff to distribute its star energy throughout three traces, making a extra balanced and more durable lineup.
Related: Ex-Maple Leafs’ Defenseman Jake Gardiner: Where Is He Now?
Bertuzzi’s contributions have improved considerably all through the season. This is Bertuzzi’s third season with 21 goals. He achieved the identical quantity in 2018-19 and 2019-20. His greatest season was 2021-22 when he hit the 30-purpose mark.
The chemistry between Bertuzzi, Matthews, and Domi bodes effectively for the staff’s postseason potential. It has allowed the Maple Leafs to maneuver Mitch Marner to play with John Tavares, which has been a profitable mixture over latest seasons.
Item 3: Max Domi’s Impressive 2-Assist Performance
Max Domi isn’t getting sufficient credit score as a key participant in 2023-24. Last night time, he registered two assists for the staff’s offense. He labored laborious all recreation to arrange Matthews in his quest for 70 targets; regardless, he’s proven sturdy playmaking talents this season.
Domi’s first-line partnership has been dynamic. Last night time, the trio mixed for 3 targets and 4 assists. Like Bertuzzi, Domi’s season totals have snowballed all through the marketing campaign. He now has 45 factors, together with a powerful 36 assists. Even extra fortuitous, almost all of Domi’s factors have been earned at even energy. His potential to generate offense by facilitating puck alternatives underscores his worth to the staff.
Item 4: Jake McCabe Collected 2 Assists on the Night
In Monday’s recreation, Jake McCabe scored the game-winner in extra time. Last night time, he additionally performed a major offensive position, recording two assists, and he now has three factors (a purpose and two assists) in his final two video games. It’s been a profession-greatest season for the rugged defenseman. He has additionally collected 28 factors (eight targets, 20 assists) in 71 video games.
McCabe’s potential to supply offensive assist whereas sustaining defensive stability has been important in Toronto’s success this season. Again, with all eyes on the postseason, his latest manufacturing shall be essential in solidifying the staff’s defensive presence and contributing to their postseason potential.
Item 5: When He Plays, Expect Nick Robertson to Score
Nick Robertson is aware of easy methods to do one factor effectively. He scored his thirteenth purpose of the season towards the Devils. Although it appears he’s been a wholesome scratch as usually as he’s performed just lately, when he has performed, he’s been on a sizzling streak with three targets and an help in his final 4 video games whereas recording solely six photographs on purpose.
Related: Nick Robertson’s Rise: Third-Line Success to Maple Leafs’ Future
With 13 targets and 25 factors in 52 video games, Robertson’s manufacturing would venture to roughly 20 targets and 40 factors over a whole 82-recreation season. He has been given elevated ice time and a extra constant position within the lineup in 2023-24. He’s proven development and growth as a younger participant.
While Robertson won’t have his whole recreation below management, he has sufficient expertise to contribute strong manufacturing as a center-six ahead to maintain him within the lineup. He won’t begin the primary recreation of the playoffs, however followers ought to anticipate he’ll get an opportunity to point out his abilities. He might emerge as a dependable scoring risk that will add depth and flexibility to the lineup.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
As the common season closes, Maple Leafs followers ought to watch the staff as they stability consistency and playoff-like depth. The staff has demonstrated a dedication to ending the season on a excessive word, displaying a playoff mindset that interprets right into a effectively-rounded effort on offense and protection.
It may even be fascinating to see how the staff deploys its three goalies over the ultimate few video games. Will they relaxation their key gamers – maybe, aside from Matthews as he seeks 70 targets – or go for second place within the Atlantic Division?
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