Another team wearing a maple leaf with a 4-0 third period lead this past week and the game got very interesting when they both got to 4-3. But the maple leaf(s) prevailed thanks to the empty net.
The Leafs last night were cruising 4-0 with under 10 minutes to go in the third period and the Canes lit the lamp three times in under three minutes. All of a sudden with five minutes left it's 4-3 and we have a game. Leafs were outshot 14-3 in the third period, and considering they scored two empty net goals, one shot on a goalie is not good. Almost as if the Leafs were on their way to Chicago already.
Pontus Holmberg led the way with 2 goals and 1 assists. Marner was held off the scoresheet, as was his passing buddy McDavid in Philadelphia. Four Nations hangover. Matthews only point of the night was an empty net goal. Seth Jarvis also was pointless. It's no surprise. A lot of the Canadian and US players were emotionally and physically drained after Thursday. Whereas their NHL teammates had fresh legs and were raring to get back at it. Both Tkachuk's did not play, still hurting after last Saturday's fights.
Thanks to a Florida loss to the Kraken last night. Leafs are one point behind the Panthers for top spot in the Atlantic, Toronto with a game in hand.
Leafs make up that game tonight in Chicago.
Blackhawks lost 5-1 in Columbus last night. Chicago is 3-7-5 in their last 15 games. Toronto defeated Chicago 4-1 in December at home. Blackhawks have won their last two home games against the Leafs.
Toronto has struggled in Chicago in the shootout era, Blackhawks are 10-0-3 on home ice against the Leafs in that time. Toronto hasn't won in regulation in Chicago since February 12, 2003. Tie Domi scored in that game. Leafs are certainly due for a W in the windy city.
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