Hildeby, balanced attack comes alive in most complete win of year

Auston Matthews, Easton Cowan, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Dakota Joshua, Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy and Nick Robertson all scored for the Maple Leafs. Max Domi recorded two primary assists after being rendered a healthy scratch on Friday. Toronto wasn’t perfect, but its defensive zone coverage, particularly against cross-seam passes, was significantly better. And with the pressure mounting on both head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving, the Maple Leafs put together their most complete win of the year.

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

Dennis Hildeby submits excellent start in first appearance since November 13

Hildeby kept the Maple Leafs in the game through the opening six minutes, as the Maple Leafs didn’t register a shot until Oliver Ekman-Larsson opened the scoring. He regained his composure after allowing a shaky power play goal to Penguins rookie Ben Kindel. Hildeby made an excellent save on Blake Lizotte, while the power play faltered, as the Maple Leafs held a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.

There’s a compound effect that comes with a stellar start from Hildeby. It certainly allows the Maple Leafs to give Woll some much-needed rest and they can be patient with Anthony Stolarz’s recovery from injury, if Hildeby can prove that he’s a capable NHL backup. It was a strong performance from Hildeby, and it’s certainly worth noting that he outplayed his counterpart, Arturs Silovs, who was pulled after Dakota Joshua made it 4-1.

Hildeby was presented with the team belt, awarded to the best or most impactful player in a Leafs’ victory.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson continues to be a stellar all-around presence during nine-game point streak

Ekman-Larsson registered a secondary assist on Bobby McMann’s goal, where McMann tipped home Morgan Rielly’s point shot. The veteran blue liner was zipping around the ice, facilitating easier exits, and he crashed down again from the point for another high-danger chance late in the second period. It was a stellar game from Ekman-Larsson, who finished with a team-best 60 percent share of the expected goals at 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick.

Unfortunately, Ekman-Larsson went to the dressing room during the third period and did not return. It would be a crushing loss for the Leafs if Ekman-Larsson missed any time at all. He’s a two-way player, he’s been their best defensive presence, he plays with a mean streak and has been one of the most consistent players on a turbulent team thus far.

Dakota Joshua, Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy break their slumps, build chemistry on 3rd line

Joshua scored his third goal of the season, during the second period, a key insurance goal for the Maple Leafs. The 6-foot-3 forward used his frame to shield off the Penguins’ defence and kept the puck along the ice for a 4-1 lead. Arturs Silovs was pulled from the contest shortly thereafter, cementing Joshua’s impact on the game.

Joshua, Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy formed Toronto’s third line, and all three players scored, with Roy notching his goal during a second-period power play. There was a commonality to be found, as all three players used their size, speed and opportunism throughout the game to generate good looks, which was evident on each of their goals. Toronto’s depth rose to the occasion

Toronto desperately needs more from their bottom-six combinations. In the process, it may have found its third line, at least ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers.

Auston Matthews scores his 10th goal with vintage location and velocity

Auston Matthews was thoroughly outplayed since returning to the lineup, and there was growing concern that the Maple Leafs’ captain may not be able to find his form. Matthews was significantly better on Saturday, his best performance since returning to the lineup from a five-game absence. During a game where there were several positives for the Maple Leafs, it was Matthews ripping home a shot with vintage location and velocity that generated a sigh of relief and some exaltation from the fan base.

We want to avoid declarative statements, but a few more games like this from Matthews, and Leafs fans may be able to finally find some relief. A healthy Matthews lighting the lamp is the easiest pathway back to playoff contention.

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