"It's official: The Toronto Maple Leafs have life. Against all odds, especially on Tuesday night against Sheldon Keefe's New Jersey Devils, the banged-up Maple Leafs managed to buy-in and put forth one of their most complete efforts of the season. But honestly, how many times in the Keefe era did the Leafs lose to an severely under-manned team? Suffice it is to say, it was fun to see them on the other side of things for once."
"And yes, Rosey broke down Matthew Knies' scrap with Devils captain Nico Hischier. We gave some major love to Jake McCabe as well. The veteran blue liner, who's a plus-16 since November 1st, has been a tower of power back there. He's a big part of the surging penalty kill, too. Toronto killed off 26 of 28 power plays in December. Derek Lalonde has done a nice job with that group."
"Joseph Woll was magnificent making 33 stops for his first shutout of the season and third career. Meantime, both Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy chipped in with a goal and an assist as Toronto improved to 3-0-1 since moving on from Marc Savard. And the power play scored again, too. Who are these guys?"
"As per usual, Koulie brought the passion and energy, just like the Leafs did against the Devils. Firstly, he weighed in on the impressive victory. After that, he dished on what he's seen from the suddenly red-hot power play and what difference he thinks - in general - the Leafs need to make to get back in this thing. Kouleas looked at better zone exits specifically. That was his major discussion point when prompted about his No. 1 Leafs-related New Year's Resolution."
The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New Jersey Devils with a complete team effort despite injuries. Joseph Woll earned a 33-save shutout, and Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy each contributed a goal and an assist. Toronto improved to 3-0-1 since moving on from Marc Savard, and the power play scored again. Jake McCabe has been a defensive anchor and is plus-16 since November 1, helping a penalty kill that stopped 26 of 28 December power plays. Steve Kouleas praised the win, highlighted the hot power play, and urged better zone exits while calling a playoff push an uphill battle.
Read at TheLeafsNation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]