During their three-game winning streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs have outscored their opponents 11-2 and Jake McCabe explained why the team is in top defensive form ahead of Tuesday’s morning skate.

“I think our commitment to tracking through the neutral zone, with our forwards allows us to have some good gaps in our back end,” McCabe said. “In zone, I think we’re doing a pretty good job of clogging the middle of the ice. Our box outs have been really good and eliminating second chances, and blocking shots.”

McCabe signed a five-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs on October 28 and has excelled alongside Chris Tanev, forming a genuine shutdown pairing with the NHL’s premier shot blocker. McCabe-Tanev have controlled 60.3 percent of the expected goals at 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick, with a plus-two goal differential, while taking on some of the league’s toughest assignments.

McCabe expanded on what he’s enjoyed about playing with Tanev through the opening month of the season.

“I just think the steadiness he provides as a partner. Seems like he’s always in the right spot, we talk a lot out there. He makes the right plays with the puck, it’s contagious. We both have the same mindset as it goes to shutting down opponents’ top lines and doing our job.

Toronto hosts Ottawa for another instalment of the Battle of Ontario, where Jake Sanderson has emerged as the clear leader of the Senators’ defensive corps, and McCabe explained the challenges the 22-year-old ascendant star presents.

“Talking about a guy like Sanderson that you brought up, he’s a phenomenal player,” McCabe said. “He can do it at both ends of the ice, he’s great with the puck, great skater. He runs their power play. He’s a great player you’ve got to key in on and not let him get activated in the rush.”

This Article is a Presentation of Prime Video. Catch Prime Monday Night Hockey, all season long. Claim your free trial today.