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cmon, quack a smile

3:10 AM · Mar 31, 2025

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Here are six takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Ducks

• Mitch Marner was arguably the Maple Leafs’ best forward and scored a sensational goal, which sums up the totality of his skill set. Marner blocked a shot from Jansen Harkins, then raced past Radko Gudas to collect the loose puck, before deking Lukas Dostal out of his skates for the 2-0 lead. Marner was constantly looking to find Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, he won pucks back, and he excelled in all situations. Perhaps Marner was granted more time and space than he’s usually afforded, but it was a terrific all-around effort where his true talent level rose above everyone else.
• Matthew Knies’ imprint was all over the Maple Leafs’ victory. Knies appeared to open the scoring, but the Ducks successfully argued that Marner contacted the puck with a high stick earlier in the possession, rescinding the goal. The power forward wasn’t deterred, and submitted a strong penalty killing shift in the first period. Knies almost tucked a goal home in the third period and later in the frame, he threw a crushing hit on Oliver Kylington, receiving a roughing penalty for shoving Nikita Nesterenko at the end of the sequence. He made a good interception later in the period, and then Knies almost scored a sensational goal to cap off a strong game, but he lost the handle at the end. Knies continues to be an engine unlike any left wing that’s operated with Matthews and Marner before.
• It was somewhat unexpected for Simon Benoit to remain in the lineup after a series of poor performances, but he was excellent on Sunday night. Benoit submitted one of his best performances of the year, where he boxed out consistently, facilitated clean exits, worked well in partnership with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, while helping the bottom-six sustain some zone time. During Steven Lorentz’s game-winner, Benoit held the line, and got the puck over to David Kampf, who threw the puck on net. Benoit was on the ice for all three Leafs goals, and while we’re not suggesting he’s cemented his spot in the lineup for the playoffs, you have to give credit where credit is due.
• Max Domi scored a terrific goal off the rush, where he used his linemates to expert effect. Scott Laughton and Calle Jarnkrok both crashed the net hard, and Domi shook them off, roofing a backhand into the net. He drew a penalty in the second period when Trevor Zegras slashed him, with the puck nowhere in sight. Domi has become a more willing shooter in March, with five of his eight goals coming this month. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube will need to formalize his role for the playoffs, as in a vacuum, he’s best suited on the wing, while Laughton should be the centre, but perhaps both players can be used interchangeably, depending on the situation and where the faceoff is.
• It wasn’t a banner night for the fourth line, but when Steven Lorentz scored the game-winning goal, it didn’t matter. These are exactly the type of depth contributions that have been fleeting for the Leafs all season, but Lorentz redirected a David Kampf shot past Lukas Dostal for the game-winner. Lorentz has a sense for the occasion, as it was his third game-winning goal of the season. He uses his speed and physicality well in a checking line role, and it must feel good for the most congenial member of the team, who boasts the winning playoff experience the Leafs certainly crave.
• Joseph Woll didn’t have to be spectacular, but he was much better Sunday, than he was during Thursday’s loss to the San Jose Sharks. Woll read the game well, and he made a key glove save on Mason McTavish in the third period, shortly before Lorentz notched the game-winning goal. With eight regular season games remaining, it’s too early to declare Woll or Stolarz the winner of the playoff role, but you’d have to imagine Stolarz starts against the Panthers on Wednesday, while Woll will get the assignment against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

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