"The Maple Leafs erased 2-0, 4-1, and 5-4 deficits in a classic Bob Cole "everything is happening"-style hockey game to kick off 2026 in thrilling fashion. This was no Picasso defensively (or in net, for Joseph Woll), but playoff-bound teams need to win a few wild ones along the way over an 82-game season, and there are a few of these types of games every year for every team. The goaltending isn't sharp (at either end), and a few mistakes end up in the back of the net early."
"And most notably of all, their captain is finally driving the bus. After months and months of "what the hell is happening here," watching Auston Matthews dominate some shifts, strip pucks, attack the slot aggressively, and blow pucks by goalies over the last three games has been like emerging from a long, terrible winter and feeling the spring sunshine on your face for the first time in what feels like forever."
The Maple Leafs rallied from 2-0, 4-1, and 5-4 deficits to secure a dramatic win to start 2026. Goaltending was unsteady at both ends and early mistakes produced goals that forced a frantic, offense-first response. The game evolved into a high-tempo back-and-forth where each push for offense risked conceding chances the other way. Toronto has scored 25 goals in its last five games (4-0-1), including five power-play goals, and puck play has appeared more confident and connected. Captain Auston Matthews has begun dominating shifts, stripping pucks, attacking the slot, and finishing consistently.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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