The Toronto Maple Leafs played one of their best games on Tuesday night. Despite being severely shorthanded, the Leafs pulled out an impressive 4-0 blanking of the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena.
The game was even more admirable considering the Maple Leafs played sans Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Matthews and Nylander’s absence led to a realization: What would a Toronto Maple Leafs team without Auston Matthews look like?
The actions on the ice speak for themselves. The top line, featuring John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Max Domi, was tough, grinding, and talented. The second line, featuring Nic Roy at center with young wingers Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan, was equally poised.
Robertson, in particular, looked like he really belonged out there. The same went for Cowan. The line cooked, leading to a goal by Roy and two assists for Robertson. Even the fourth line chipped in. Calle Jarnkrok got a huge goal to help lift the Maple Leafs.
While some may dismiss Tuesday night’s game as a one-off or an outlier, the fact is that it provided a glimpse into what a rebuild could look like. The Maple Leafs’ performance, piecemeal lineup notwithstanding, was solid. Yes, the Devils entered the game riding a three-game skid, but then again, good teams capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses.
That’s what the Maple Leafs did. They took advantage of a reeling club. They played a solid, defensively sound game, without any fancy stuff. The result was a big win over a club they needed to beat.
Tuesday night’s win was a good way for the Maple Leafs to end the 2025 calendar year.
Maple Leafs Win Over Devils Could Be Major Confidence Boost
Let’s assume for a minute the shorthanded Maple Leafs had crumbled against the Devils. Suppose the Devils had scored five or six on Joseph Woll. What would have happened then? The media frenzy would have torn the club apart at the seams.
Such a situation would have shattered the Maple Leafs’ confidence. It would have confirmed that the club cannot survive without Matthews and Nylander. Instead, the win proved the club can play very well without its top two stars.
That’s why Tuesday night’s victory could be the sort of win that spurs a major turnaround. It’s the type of game that could spark a strong run. It’s worth noting that the Maple Leafs aren’t far out of a playoff spot. A decent winning streak could be enough to push them back into the playoff picture.
That perspective may be overly optimistic, but it’s a definite possibility.
No Easy Fixes in Toronto
The consensus is that the Maple Leafs won’t be able to trade their way out of their current situation. But if the win over the Devils is any indication, there wouldn’t be any need for major trades.
Yes, changes are necessary. There are gaps that need looking into. But the need for a franchise-altering trade really isn’t there.
However, the potential for a rebuild remains relevant for the Maple Leafs. If the situation degrades to that point, Tuesday night’s game serves as a glimpse into what the Leafs could become, should they choose to start over.
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