The idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs lack grit has been a recurring critique for several seasons. However, their 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders on New Year’s Eve tells a different story. This game wasn’t flashy and didn’t come without its challenges, but it was a testament to this team’s resolve. The team was desperately short-handed, with key players suffering injury or illness. Yet, they pulled off a key win.
The point is that this team isn’t the same Maple Leafs team that falters when the going gets tough. They’re grittier, calmer in close games, and ready to prove they belong among the NHL’s elite.
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For those doubting the Maple Leafs’ mettle, here are three moments from this gritty performance that should make anyone who continues to be skeptical think again.
Moment 1: Joseph Woll’s Tough-Mindedness in Net
If grit is defined by the ability to bounce back from adversity, Joseph Woll’s performance exemplifies it. Heading into this game, Woll had struggled. He had conceded an average of 3.4 goals per game over his previous five starts. Yet, against the Islanders, he delivered his best outing in weeks. He allowed just one goal and made a series of critical saves.
The game included a heart-stopping moment when Woll appeared injured after a sprawling save and struggled to get back on his feet. For a team already dealing with depth issues in the crease, losing Woll could have been disastrous. Instead, he not only stayed in the game but seemed to sharpen his focus, making acrobatic saves that kept the Islanders from gaining momentum.
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This kind of performance under pressure, especially when health concerns arise, shows a level of determination that has been questioned in previous Maple Leafs teams. Woll’s grit helped set the tone for the team’s defensive effort.
Moment 2: The Maple Leafs Secondary Scoring Stepped Up
The Maple Leafs have often been criticized for relying too heavily on their top stars, but this game saw unlikely heroes step up when it mattered most. David Kämpf opened the scoring, and Steven Lorentz — a player not known for lighting the lamp — put home the game-winner just 16 seconds after the Islanders had tied the score 1-1.
These contributions were crucial in a game where…
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