Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Domi, Marner & Rest – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

On Thursday evening, the New Jersey Devils edged the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 in a excessive-scoring, again-and-forth, and sloppy sport. The Devils’ Jesper Bratt‘s goal with 1:14 remaining broke the tie, pulling out the win for the Devils. Despite Auston Matthews scoring his 67th and 68th goals of the season, the Maple Leafs couldn’t stop making turnovers, and the win eluded them.

Item 1: 3 Reasons the Maple Leafs Lost the Game

Toronto misplaced final evening due to too many defensive lapses. It’s nearly inconceivable to play an ideal sport; nonetheless, the Maple Leafs struggled defensively. They gave the Devils scoring alternatives that had been too simple to capitalize on—generally proper on the doorstep of a shocked Ilya Samsonov. Defensive breakdowns and inconsistent play of their zone contributed on to the excessive variety of targets conceded.

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Second, the particular groups efficiency was subpar. Toronto’s penalty kill was ineffective, permitting the Devils to attain three energy-play targets. At the identical time, they didn’t capitalize on their very own energy play possibilities. That tipping level ruined the Maple Leafs’ possibilities to win.

Third, regardless of main the sport and coming again to tie it late within the third interval, the Maple Leafs couldn’t preserve momentum. Allowing the sport-successful purpose with simply over a minute remaining highlighted the staff’s lack of ability to execute and shut out this tight contest.

Item 2: Auston Matthews Now at 68 Goals on the Season

Make no mistake: Auston Matthews goes for 70 targets. He continued his spectacular purpose-scoring streak on Thursday evening, scoring two targets, boosting his streak to seven video games, throughout which he has scored 9 targets. Additionally, he prolonged his level streak to 13 video games. He’s put up 24 factors (13 targets, 11 assists) over that span.

Matthews is now inside two targets of the coveted 70-purpose milestone with three video games remaining. The query is whether or not he’ll play in all of them. Last season, the Maple Leafs prioritized the postseason over particular person milestones and determined to relaxation Mitch Marner when he had an opportunity to achieve 100 factors. 

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What will the selection be as Matthews goals for 70 targets and the staff focuses on getting ready for the playoffs? Given that the whole staff appears to be pulling for Matthews (particularly Max Domi, whose life’s mission appears to be to push Matthews excessive), this “event” appears qualitatively completely different than a Marner 100-level season.

Item 3: Max Domi Is Playing Some of His Best Hockey – Ever

Domi’s current play has been distinctive, particularly in organising targets for Matthews. In the final two video games, he has 4 assists – two in every sport. These major assists immediately helped Matthews discover the again of the online.

Despite averaging simply 13:44 per sport, Domi has put up 47 factors in 79 video games this season. Once he discovered his method, he’s been efficient as a playmaker who may also help others contribute offensively. What makes Domi completely different from Marner as Matthews’ companion is that he has (what normal supervisor Brad Treliving calls) “snot.” 

Domi has a bodily edge and is prepared to go to the wall for his teammates if somebody is handled roughly. That propensity has earned him 116 penalty minutes (PIM) and a repute among the many staff as somebody prepared to play a gritty type when wanted.

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Domi’s skill to generate scoring possibilities for star gamers like Matthews underscores his worth to the staff. Thinking forward to subsequent season, it could appear foolish to not attempt to re-signal him. He loves taking part in in Toronto and proudly wears the Blue & White jersey. Is there any probability {that a} line of Domi, Matthews, and Marner would work?

Item 4: Mitch Marner Is Now on a 4-sport, 5-Assist Streak

Marner picked up two assists and now has factors (5 assists) within the 4 video games since his return from harm. Before his harm, he had seven factors (one purpose, six assists) in six straight video games. 

Marner has 25 targets and 56 assists (for 81 factors) in 66 video games this season. The Maple Leafs have three video games remaining, however the staff’s teaching workers may relaxation the star winger once more to make sure he’s in one of the best well being attainable heading into the postseason. 

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

Over the following three video games, head coach Sheldon Keefe should make powerful choices to arrange the Maple Leafs for the postseason. He should optimize the staff’s line mixtures to carry out one of the best chemistry and effectiveness offensively and defensively. He should additionally resolve easy methods to contain Matthews on the ice, leveraging his purpose-scoring skills. 

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Finally, Keefe has depth this season that he didn’t have in previous postseasons. He should anticipate line adjustments and changes tailor-made for playoff matchups, think about participant adaptability, and work out how finest to make use of Marner. By managing these choices, Keefe can improve the staff’s readiness for the playoffs. How can he finest be sure that the Maple Leafs’ line mixtures and defensive pairings are optimized for fulfillment in important postseason video games?