Domi scores sensational goal, Nylander drives offence

William Nylander played his best game in a month, snapping an 11-game goal drought in the process, recording two goals and two assists in the winning effort. Max Domi scored a sensational game winner, while Matias Maccelli, Steven Lorentz and Bobby McMann also scored the Maple Leafs in the winning effort.

“It’s a boost. We’re going to have a better Christmas, I guess, if you like Christmas,” Berube said. “The power play stuff, I know Brad is talking about (Derek Lalonde) but what I meant is the stuff is looking at everything together. Is he running the meetings? Yes.”

Here are four takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 4-3 victory over the Penguins: 

Max Domi’s sensational goal leads Leafs to victory

Toronto outshot Pittsburgh 12-7 when Domi was on the ice at 5-on-5, via Natural Stat Trick, and the 30-year-old used his speed and tenacity to establish the forecheck. Domi was often too patient in high-danger areas, but with the game on the line, he scored a crucial game-winner, which may stand as his best moment of the 2025-26 season.

Domi downplayed the significance of his game-winner, stating that it was more important that the team secured the victory. Nylander was far more effusive about Domi’s end-to-end rush, post-game.

“It was nasty. He was flying, dipsy-doodle right in, and it was a huge goal for us. It was a lot of fun to watch,” Nylander said.

Perhaps it’s a picture that says a million words, as Domi received the team belt, awarded to the best or most impactful player during a Leafs’ victory:

William Nylander delivers his best offensive performance since November

William Nylander admitted following Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars that he’s never felt this way before during his career. Nylander appeared to be lacking confidence, mired in a 11-game goal drought, with the Maple Leafs desperately needing him to return back to his early season form. Nylander answered the call with an excellent performance, scoring a goal, adding two assists, then added an empty-net marker to punctuate the victory.

“I felt like I’ve been feeling the past couple of games, but the puck went in tonight,” Nylander said post-game.

So perhaps that’s all it takes, a brace against a Penguins team that is slated to miss the playoffs. Nylander worked well in conjunction with John Tavares and Matias Maccelli and displayed the dynamic skating and puck skills he’s become known for. He established the offensive zone before dishing the puck over to Maccelli, then Maccelli fired it off Parker Wotherspoon’s skates and in, during the first period. Nylander was locked in, and though he could’ve been more engaged on the defensive side of the puck, it was his best showing of the month.

“Taking pucks to the net, more than anything. Getting open and driving it. That line makes a lot of plays, which is good to see,” Berube said when asked what he liked about Nylander’s performance.

Nylander had a few chances that went unrewarded as well, as he was slashed by Penguins rookie Ben Kindel on a breakaway during a 4-on-4 opportunity in the third period. He drove the net with real force shortly after Domi re-established the lead, and you could envision a potential four-goal game from Toronto’s star winger. It’s certainly a step in the right direction entering the three-day break.

Chris Tanev delivers mixed performance in return to lineup

Tanev offered a candid self-assessment of his game, and said he was cleared to return on Monday.

“I think I played half a game in nine weeks. Not fun. I think it’s the longest stretch in my career where I haven’t played. Definitely a lot of up and downs. I just try to grind through it and stay positive and was extremely happy to be out on the ice.”

“I wasn’t great in the first. Gave someone a Christmas present in front, but Joe (Woll) thankfully snagged it away. After those two plays in the first weren’t ideal, but missing nine weeks, you picture in the head how the game’s going to go and what’s going to happen, and it comes a lot quicker than you think. I think I got better as the game went on, but lots to improve on for sure.”

Domi spoke at length about Tanev’s leadership post-game.

“If you look up a good teammate in the dictionary, not that there’s a definition for it, he would be right there,” Domi said of Tanev. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever come across, one of the best professionals. He’s the ultimate pro. He goes out there, he empties the tank every shift. He does the hardest thing: he eats pucks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And that’s on the ice. You guys see all that stuff. Off the ice, his leadership and experience, it just calms our whole group down.”

“The poise and leadership he brings. He makes plays. He leads on and off the ice. It’s great to have him back,” Nylander said of Tanev.

We’ll need a larger look at the power play after Marc Savard’s dismissal

Toronto finally gained a power play during the third period, but it lasted for 31 seconds, after Matias Maccelli was called for slashing. We’ll definitely need a much larger sample to determine how the power play is operating post-Savard. During the extremely limited sample, Auston Matthews entered the offensive zone with speed and deliberate intent, and the puck movement appeared to be better before Maccelli’s infraction.

Matthews, Maccelli, Nylander, John Tavares and Morgan Rielly formed the first group, which at least on paper, provides the team with two shooters, a bumper presence, a playmaker and a quarterback from the point. It remains to be seen whether Toronto’s last-ranked power play can make any progress, with Lalonde, Berube and the rest of the Maple Leafs’ staff taking on a much larger magnifying glass.