Consecutive wins over Original Six teams stalls the tank

Jake McCabe, Nick Robertson Dakota Joshua and John Tavares all scored for the Maple Leafs, while Joseph Woll made 40 saves in the winning effort.

Here are four takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Rangers: 

Jake McCabe sets the tone

It hasn’t always been an easy season for the Maple Leafs’ defence corps, which includes Jake McCabe. McCabe delivered one of his finest performances of the year, and set the tone early, crashing in for the game’s opening goal.

Bo Groulx placed a clever stick-check to send the puck into the offensive zone, McCabe read the play intelligently and jumped on a loose puck for a 1-0 lead. From there onwards, McCabe’s efforts were less deliberate, but he blocked a team-high four shots and finished fourth in individual expected goals among the Maple Leafs.

It’s also worth noting that McCabe registered his 23rd point of the year, equaling his total from last year. It hasn’t been a great year for the Leafs overall, but McCabe boasts a positive goal differential at 5-on-5 and was rewarded for a quietly strong performance.

Woll responds to Berube’s criticism

There’s not much more to write about from a predictive sense, as Woll enters next year as the Maple Leafs’ firm No. 1 goaltender. Amid some unwarranted late season criticism, Woll responded with a strong start for the Maple Leafs. It’ll be compelling how the Maple Leafs split the workload for the remaining nine games.

Maccelli’s post-Olympic heater continues, potentially carving out larger role for 2026-27

Maccelli registered secondary assists on two goals, and worked well off Bo Groulx, whose defensive acumen allows his wingers to play to their real strengths. As the Maple Leafs look to re-tool entering next season, Maccelli may be pushing for a larger role within their plans.

Blue Jays fever is back!

Ahead of their season opener Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays were in attendance. George Springer and Ernie Clement were originally placed in the wrong seats and moved to a different section of the lower bowl during the first period, in good spirits. Clement later joined Sportsnet’s broadcast to discuss his own hockey career, and the upcoming Blue Jays’ season.

We’re looking forward to the Blue Jays’ season as well, and it’s worth a reminder that Blue Jays fever occupied the opening portion of the Maple Leafs’ season. This is one team all Toronto sports fans can universally root for. Let’s go Blue Jays!

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