The Toronto Maple Leafs have been steadily climbing the standings in the Eastern Conference since bouncing back from a four-game losing skid in October, but unlike many of their successful stretches in recent year, the Leafs have not been racking up points solely on the back of their offensive prowess.
Toronto got excellent defense, contributions from their special teams and another solid outing from Jack Campbell, as Morgan Rielly’s second period power play was the difference in a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.
The Leafs veteran blueliner, who signed an eight-year, $60 million contract last month, scored twice and notched his second game-winner in three games, beating Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin on a screen shot in the first and from close range on the man advantage in the middle frame.
“I think it’s a mindset. I think that is half the battle with most things if not more than that.” Rielly said after the game. “Once you kind of get it in your mind that you’re going to play a certain way and your just not going to give up chances against, the rest kind of follows. I think the work ethic has always kind of been there, the real desire to win has always been there, but it’s just kind of a mental hurdle and mindset that I think we’re starting to establish and that is a great sign.”
Toronto has five straight wins and 10 in their last 11 games. During that stretch, they are averaging over three goals per game, their power play has scored goals in the last 10 straight and is averaging 37% (2nd in the NHL) and has a league-best 1.82 GAA.
“We were in really good control (early), I thought we got a little bit too comfortable, how we moved the puck, thought we turned it over a lot in the back half of that first period and gave them some life.” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game. “I thought we were calm throughout and thought we did a good job against a team like that, that has the level of skill that they have, you’re going to have to rely on your goaltender to make some saves. I don’t think we gave up much today in terms of odd man rushes and such.
Obviously the Panarin breakaway in the third period we don’t like which comes at the end of a dominant offensive zone shift and then lose the puck and they get in behind us. In fact that is a bit of teaching point for us because of that balance – when you’re pushing trying to score and winning your shift and trying to do well and all of sudden it breaks open on you and that’s really what New York is looking for in that spot. We always find ways to teach each game but overall good effort from our team.”
Campbell made 27 saves for his 10th win of the season and after a day off will be the likely starter for the Leafs in the final game of their three-game homestand against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
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