One of the pillars of the night was goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who stopped all 29 shots he faced, recording his first shutout for Toronto since signing with the team in July. Stolarz’s performance was crucial, especially against a team as physical as Boston, which constantly looked to wear down the Leafs.
“Probably our most complete game of the year,” Stolarz said. “Boston is a very good team. We knew they were going to be physical and try to wear us down, and I think we matched their intensity and physicality very well.”
Stolarz even excelled in critical moments, like when he deflected a shot in a three-on-one situation, with Boston threatening to reduce Toronto’s lead. His ability to keep opponents off the scoreboard was vital and a reflection of how he has responded to the coaching staff’s trust in his first season with the Leafs.
“Some impressive saves. Without him, the score definitely would have been different,” said Mitch Marner about Stolarz’s performance. “He has saved us on several occasions, and tonight was no exception.”
All of this led to a sweet revenge for Toronto. But in the context of a long regular season, certainly the efficiency aspect of the Power Play represents a very important step for the club.
Toronto, which had lost its last eight regular-season games against Boston, showed its best side in its on-ice special teams, a facet it desperately needed to revitalize. With a perfect performance to eliminate penalties and three goals in Power Play, this victory was established as one of the most complete performances of the season. William Nylander, with his numerical advantage goal, reached his 65th goal in that situation, tying him with Dave Keon for sixth in franchise history.
Mitch Marner, who also added two assists, reached 201 Power Play points, joining figures like Mats Sundin and Borje Salming in Toronto’s history.
And at the same time, although understanding that the absence of a player like Matthews will never be positive news for the Leafs, having achieved this important award without their captain on the ice also bodes well.
Nylander highlighted how the team elevates its effort in the absence of its captain: “Maybe everyone adds a little more competitiveness to their game. “Everyone does their job, but it’s definitely not easy to cover their absence.”
Coach Berube also praised Nylander’s ability to stay in the game on both ends of the court:
“He’s being Willy. He knows where the puck is going, he has a phenomenal shot and his skill level is extremely high. But now he’s playing completely, not just thinking about the offense.”
Tuesday’s game was more than a victory; It was a statement of intent for a franchise that not only wants to advance to the playoffs, but is determined to prove that it can beat any rival in its division, with or without its superstar in the lineup.
In this way, the Maple Leafs are now in second place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 7-5-2 (16 points) — three units behind the leaders Florida Panthers — and will now seek to continue the good pace when they receive to the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens on consecutive days beginning Friday.
