Morning-after recap: Saving the Best for Last

How nice is it to recap a win for a change? (Very nice.)

The Leafs’ young guys got to be the heroes tonight (even with Rielly out), and we can only hope the third period is a sign of what’s to come, because it was awesome.

Hard workin’ Zach Hyman was the quickest one to track down the puck after he and Auston Matthews spent some quality time banging around in front of Craig Anderson. Their line was making things happen all night (as usual).

True to form, the Leafs had a hard time holding onto that early lead. Not to diminish Erik Karlsson’s abilities, but Frederik Andersen was almost completely unprepared for this goal. He was a little distracted by Roman Polak’s stick, you see. So glad we have him for the PK!

“Who’s got Hoffman?” Yeah, nobody.

When you give up three goals in the second period, and the third one is the first short-handed goal of Tom Pyatt’s career, you might need to go regroup during intermission. (Don’t worry, the Buds did exactly that.)

Zach Hyman returned the favour and passed through two defenders (and a goalie) to set up Auston Matthews perfectly in the blue paint. (We can also consider this payback for that time no one was covering Hoffman. The Buds can play that game, too.)

What a redemption goal for Mitch Marner! Jake Gardiner spotted him through traffic, Mitchell worked some magic, and the rest is history. Very happy history. He’s so happy.

Connor Carrick got the puck at the point and was able to send it straight through all the bodies in front and over Craig Anderson’s shoulder.

After scoring three goals in six minutes, the Leafs were able to hold onto a one-goal lead for eleven whole minutes, and they headed home with their first regulation win of 2018. Two thirds of this game were enjoyable and goal-ful, and the end result was a win. Considering how the last few weeks have gone, I’ll definitely take it.

More hockey tomorrow!