It wasn’t a pretty goal, and I am not even sure the goal would have counted two weeks ago but Ron Hainsey scored the game winning goal at 18:37 of the third period to give the Maple Leafs a massive 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins.
With a slight bit of traffic in front of the Boston net, created by Zach Hyman, the Hainsey point shot found its way passed a ‘set’ Tukka Rask and with it moved the Maple Leafs into 2nd position in the Atlantic Division.
Hainsey scores from the point, but it might get called back for goalie interference. pic.twitter.com/0axTSUULSy
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) February 25, 2018
I gotta give Babcock some credit. William Nylander and Mitch Marner looked fantastic together. Instant chemistry?
Two of the hottest players in the NHL (no Bruffins, scoring….not looks) hooked up on Saturday night to put on an offensive showcase.
When I mentioned before that Nylander could effectively play the middle of the rink in the NHL, that display is exactly what I was talking about. Impressive.
Marner opened the scoring on a feed that was absolutely perfect by the other Canadian born beautician. This pass is flat, crisp and in the wheelhouse of Marner. Having said that, Marner cradles this absolutely perfect and puts the shot in the only spot Rask cannot stop it.
NYLANDER TO MARNER pic.twitter.com/wbxrEdZVxd
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) February 25, 2018
The smaller in stature Maple Leafs refused to back down last night. That also impressed me.
The Bruins played a greasy style of hockey but guys who regularly do not play big, did exactly that.
Jake with a huge hit on Acciari pic.twitter.com/JkDPy7vgwl
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) February 25, 2018
Marner throwing the body on Heinen and causing the turnover pic.twitter.com/rK6H1oruNt
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) February 25, 2018
A lot of Leafs contributed last night. There were not many passengers.
That is a good character win for the Leafs and they are now 3-1-0 versus the Bruins this season.
During the intermission, Nick Kypreos (Sportsnet) updated Leafs Nation on the status of injured star, Auston Matthews.
Matthews has a Grade 2 Separation of his right shoulder and is expected to miss anywhere between 2-4 weeks.
Bad, but not horrendous.
Trade Deadline: The Bruins are reportedly in the lead for Rick Nash, but will the Leafs try to keep pace by making a play before the deadline??
Rumours have the Leafs interested in Ryan McDonagh from the New York Rangers. At what cost tho?
This team is good. Can they compete with the other top teams in the East? I sure as hell think they can.
I would NOT get caught up in Trade Deadline Frenzy just for the sake of making a move that will cost us a talented piece in the future.
No to Kasperi Kapanen, or Andreas Johnsson being dealt. Yes to JVR.
Fun Facts:
–Mitch Marner now leads the Toronto Maple Leafs in scoring with 51 points after his 4 pts game.
–Leafs are 5th in the NHL overall and 2nd in the Atlantic.
— Frederik Andersen is T-2 in the NHL in Wins with 32.
–Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev led the Leafs blueline in TOI last night.
–I F’in hate Brad Marchand and the Bruins.
#GOLEAFSGO
Coach Babcock:
