Without star forward Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs powered through to a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night (Nov. 8). Mitch Marner opened the scoring with a first-period power-play goal, extending his point streak to seven games. Although Detroit’s Dylan Larkin tied the game in the second, John Tavares quickly responded. He scored Toronto’s second power-play goal to retake the lead. Tavares then sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minutes, as Anthony Stolarz backstopped the Maple Leafs with 21 saves.
It was one of those close, boring games that – although it was close – never looked in jeopardy for the Maple Leafs.
Item One: Anthony Stolarz Stands Tall, Backstops Leafs to Victory
Anthony Stolarz continued his strong play in the net, stopping 21 of 22 shots in the Maple Leafs’ 3-1 win. Stolarz was rock-solid throughout the game, providing the Maple Leafs stability in the crease and helping them hold onto their lead. He had a terrific game. When he wasn’t losing his stick, he was losing his glove.
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Last night, he made a barehanded stop on a shot that could’ve slid into the mat behind him. When he grabbed the puck, he raised it with his bare hand in victory over the scrum around him. It’s becoming classic Stolarz.
Stolarz extended his streak without a regulation loss to six games. He boasts a 4-0-2 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .926 save percentage during the stretch. His reliability in the net is proving invaluable, mainly as the team adjusts to lineup changes.
Item Two: Mitch Marner Extends Point Streak and Leads Toronto’s Power Play
Mitch Marner continued his solid season with another multi-point performance on Friday night. Marner opened the scoring on the power play in the first period to give Toronto an early edge. Later, he assisted on John Tavares’ second-period power-play goal, ultimately the game-winner. Marner extended his point streak to seven games, during which he’s scored two goals and added nine assists.
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With 15 assists on the season, Marner sits tied for fifth in the NHL for helpers, just four assists shy of league leader Nathan MacKinnon’s 19. Known for his playmaking, Marner has seamlessly stepped into a leading role on the team’s power play, which has caught fire recently….
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