Leafs Postgame: Matthews, Nylander cash out in huge win

After a massive win against Columbus, the Leafs were at home for the second game of a back-to-back against the New Jersey Devils. Exciting is not often a word associated with New Jersey, however, this affair definitely had its moments.

This was a big game, especially with Boston and Tampa squaring off as well. Toronto carried the play and came away with a much-deserved win, while Tampa beat Boston, which is both good and bad, depending on which way you look at it.

Regardless, Toronto is now three points up on Boston for third in the Atlantic, with a game in hand to boot. Here’s what happened in Toronto’s 4-2 victory over New Jersey.

It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. This couldn’t have been more accurate when describing Toronto’s first period, as things got off to a rocky start.

Curtis McElhinney got the nod for the Buds, and while he’s been great since joining the team, allowing this to happen on the very first shot against wasn’t ideal.

Luckily, McElhinney seemed to settle down after allowing the goal, making a number key saves that allowed Toronto to get back in the game.

Just a few minutes later, who else but Josh Leivo tied it up.

This was an important goal for a few different reasons.

First of all, this was Leivo’s ninth point in his last 10 games, despite the fact that he sparingly draws into the lineup. All the guy does is produce, and he absolutely deserves a full-time role on this team. Second, after enduring a seven-game pointless streak, Matthews’ first of two assists in the period gave him five points over his last four games, which is extremely encouraging.

Lastly, this was a big assist for Nylander. Not only did he break a team rookie record with his 10th straight game with a point, but he earned an extra $212,500 for notching his 35th assist. Not bad, huh?

Nylander and Matthews weren’t done there, though. This Willy snipe gave Toronto a 2-1 lead.

Do you want to feel even worse about your current financial situation? On this goal, Matthews maxed out his ‘Schedule A’ bonuses, hitting 60 points, guaranteeing he’ll finish the season scoring at a clip of at least 0.73 points-per-game. He’ll make an extra $850,000 this season, and also tied Patrik Laine in the rookie scoring race.

Toronto carried a 2-1 lead into the second, where early on, it was another rookie, Mitch Marner, making things happen.

Again, this was a significant goal for two reasons.

From that point on, it was relatively smooth sailing. New Jersey added a goal halfway through the third, which made things interesting. Maybe the early-season Leafs would have let this game slip away. These Leafs didn’t.

Toronto essentially dominated this game from start to finish.

Toronto finished this game with 60% possession at 5v5, which has to be one of their highest marks of the season. You’ll see the flurry of New Jersey shots near the end of the game, which the Leafs were able to survive. Again, they bent but didn’t break, which is a fantastic trait for a team that’s growing right before our eyes.

As you can see, everyone was pretty much a positive, aside from an off night from the fourth line. Kadri continues to be an absolute beast.

Tonight’s Blue Warrior could go to a number of players, but I think Curtis McElhinney really deserves it.

Listen, the guy has been, by and large, a bad NHL goaltender throughout his career. Since arriving in Toronto, though, he’s been anything but. His .921 SV% entering tonight’s contest is more than adequate for a backup, and there’s no doubt Babcock loves having a veteran goalie who knows his role backing up the clear number one.

McElhinney was fantastic against the Devils. He made 30 saves and picked up his fourth win as a Leaf. McElhinney’s SV% after this game is up around .924. Not bad for a waiver-wire pickup.

The Leafs will take on the Sabres in Buffalo on Saturday, which is a game that a seemingly playoff-bound team should win. Buffalo will be without Rasmus Ristolainen, which will work in, or against, Toronto’s favour, depending on who you ask.

The Bruins will also be playing Saturday night in a huge matchup against the Islanders. That’s one Leafs fans will want to keep an eye on. Tampa Bay will be in action on Friday, as they visit the Joe to face the Red Wings.