The two points gained last night were an absolute must. The Maple Leafs just ended Tampa’s eleven game winning streak at home and had a huge rebound game after the stinker of the century.

Without question that was one of the more stressful third periods of the season. It seemed as if we were struggling to get the puck out or control it for the first ten minutes of the third. I found myself yelling at the television more than normal, especially at the ref’s as they “let the boys play”. It sure has been a below average year of refereeing; sorry zebra’s but the truth hurts.

The Leafs started last night’s game playing quite well in the first five minutes or so and then Tampa started to take over. When they scored the first goal (Kucherov’s 30th) I was worried the flood gates were about to open. The Leafs had battle though, a hard fought game where Muzzin was in beast mode for the first forty minutes of the game before he got banged up and had to sit out the third period. Let’s hope fuzzy Muzzy is going to be ok, the Leafs can afford to lose another quality defender.

Tavares had the tip going last night with a dandy on a blast from Barrie. He also popped a nice backhander off the post giving him two on the night and it was a thing of beauty as our Captain stepped up in what ended up being a massive win for the boys.

The goal of the night, and certainly one of the most glorious goals of the year was William Nylander’s nifty little play in tight where he put the puck between his legs and shelfed it top corner over the glove of Vasilevskiy. It was a thing of beauty and came up big as it held up being the game winning goal. Finally the Leafs managed to score two player play goals in a single game, it had been a while.

The Florida Panthers managed to win against the Arizona Coyotes; plugs. The Leafs and Panthers face each other tomorrow night in the most important game of the season. The battle of third in the Atlantic is heating up and this will be a battle extraordinaire! We’re going to need another effort like we saw against Tampa Bay or the second game against Pittsburgh. As a matter of fact, that’s the type of effort were going to need to see for the next 18 games if we want a playoff appearance.

I’ll tell you one thing is certain; Tampa wants NOTHING to do with the Leafs in round 1!

Sure seems like third and fourth lines of the Buds were skating to win last night. I’m really starting to appreciate the game of Spezza more and more as this season goes on. Who’d have thought? Not I. Engvall had an excellent burst of speed and coasted around Victor Hedman and had a quality scoring chance. Quite impressive considering Hedman is one of the league’s best defenders.

Keep an eye out for an update on Muzzin and be sure to sport your Leafs gear tomorrow. Leafs Nation needs to weather the storm before the blue skies open up for our big run. The rebound has commenced let’s hope the Leafs take the bull by the horns and let her run wild!

Go Leafs Go!

Thanks for reading.

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