Toronto Maple Leafs: Three Takeaways From Win Over Capitals
Nov 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) celebrates a goal against Washington Capitals with teammates at the bench in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Leafs won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs halted their losing streak at three games following a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals.
In their one game home stand before they hit the road on their Western Canada swing. The Toronto Maple Leafs had a strong showing against one the better teams in the Eastern Conference. From the opening face-off, the Maple Leafs took control and did not look back.
With the late scratch of William Nylander due to an upper-body injury, the offense did not miss a beat. Matt Martin and Auston Matthews continued their scoring touch helping the Maple Leafs jump to an early 2-0 lead.
Holding another 3-0 lead, the third period happened to be a bit of an adventure. Nonetheless, they were able to fend off Washington to finally hold on to lead late in a game.
Here are the three takeaways from the Maple Leafs win over the Capitals.
Oct 25, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Peter Holland (24) takes a shot against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr (62) in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Could There Be A Trade Coming Soon?
The first takeaways came off the ice as there happened to be a surprise guest at the Air Canada Centre. Prior to the start of the game, reports came out that Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving would be in attendance.
Thus sparking the conversation, are there ongoing talks between the Flames and Maple Leafs for Dougie Hamilton?
Ever since reports came out that the Flames were shopping Hamilton. Nothing has occurred to indicate that this rumor has some legs. Nonetheless, it should be a surprise to no one that the Maple Leafs are at least kicking the tires on him.
Furthermore, with Treliving in attendance, there must be some mutual interest on their behalf. Now the waiting game begins to determine if these rumors go anyway or they die down.
Nov 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) shoots the puck past Washington Capitals forward Lars Eller (20) in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Leafs won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
The Floodgates Have Opened For Matthews
After enduring a 13 game goal drought, the scoring is starting to come in bunches for Matthews. Netting two goals against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, Matthews added another against Washington.
This shows that the overreaction to his drought happened to be obscene. It would not be a matter of if, but when he would break out. Now that he has, it gives the Maple Leafs even more firepower to go along with the Marner line.
Auston Matthews tucked home the rebound to score the @budcanada game-winning goal for the @MapleLeafs. https://t.co/TRga4e3LlC
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 27, 2016
In addition, with the win over Washington, it marks the first time all year in which they get a victory where Matthews factored in on the scoring.
With just a few days remaining in the month of November, a strong performance in the last two games could catapult him to a rookie of the month honors.
Nov 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikita Soshnikov (26) skates the puck past Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) in the third period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Soshnikov Made The Most Of His Chance
Since his call-up from the Toronto Marlies, Nikita Soshnikov has played primarily on the fourth line. However, with the injury to Nylander, it paved the way for him to play a more significant role.
When allowed to play with more skillful linemates, he left an impression on both his teammates and Mike Babcock.
As a result, this performance shows that Soshnikov should play on the top three lines. Should there be an injury or someone underperforming, he has shown to be able to hunt for the puck while displaying skill.
If Nylander continues to be out of the lineup during this upcoming road trip. Soshnikov will be an excellent fill in the top nine. He won’t bring the flash but will provide an offensive punch in his own style of play.
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