Game one
Last Monday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks marked Rasmus Sandin’s first game of the season. In fact, this is the first time that Sandin has played in almost a full calendar year, as he did not get a chance to play in the NHL bubble in August.
The Toronto Maple Leafs did not look like the same team that beat the Canucks 7–3 and 5–1 in the week prior. Halfway through the game, shots were 27–7 in favor of the Canucks, and Frederik Andersen was the only reason the game was still tied 1–1.
Midway through the third, Auston Matthews extended his goal streak to eight games.
AUSTON MATTHEWS 🚨
IT’S THAT EASY! 2-1 pic.twitter.com/P6YpOHtgQl
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 9, 2021
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Minutes later, Alexander Kerfoot extended the lead, and the team held on to win 3–1.
Game two
On Wednesday night, the Leafs headed to Montreal to play the first of two against the Canadiens. The Leafs and Canadiens hold the top two spots in the North Division, yet the Canadiens have played one less game.
Travis Dermott was back in the lineup for the first time since suffering a minor leg injury earlier this season.
The Leafs gave up an early goal after this turnover in the neutral zone.
Turnover in the neutral zone started it all pic.twitter.com/qXH1T9LYlv
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 11, 2021
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Late in the second, Dermott tied the game with his first of the season.
TRAVIS DERMOTT 🚨
FIRST OF THE SEASON! pic.twitter.com/SyWC7eZgeJ
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 11, 2021
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Ilya Mikheyev scored to give the Leafs the lead with his first tally of the season. Justin Holl added on to the lead, which was also his first marker of the season.
Justin Holl scored for the first time since Feb. 27, 2020, but the Leafs d-man points out that was an empty netter
So, this was the first time he beat a goalie since … Nov. 13, 2019
Will we see more of that shot? “I’ve uncorked it now so there’s no turning back.” https://t.co/UmWCVsNtVK
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 11, 2021
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Although the Canadiens got one back late, the Leafs took the game 4–2.
Game three
Prior to the game, Sandin, Adam Brooks and Nick Robertson were sent down to the AHL. Martin Marincin and Scott Sabourin were added to the taxi squad. This Leafs team has a lot of depth, and while that is a strength, it means that certain players have not been able to play as much as they need to. Robertson has been injured since his first game, while Sandin and Brooks have each made it into the lineup only once this season. They will be able to play much more with the Marlies, and continue their development in the process.
The Leafs had a strong first period, and took an early lead, as it was Mitch Marner with the goal. Although Toronto had many good quality chances in the frame, Carey Price held them to just one strike.
Tyler Toffoli tied the game early in the third for Montreal. Although the Leafs have been generally better at defending leads this season, this was just not it.
Tyler Toffoli ties it. 1-1 pic.twitter.com/To4btkmulF
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 14, 2021
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The Leafs’ third period was a mess, with almost no offense, though Andersen made some big saves.
Freddie gets a piece of this shot but it was an important piece pic.twitter.com/5ABIc5jwaB
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) February 14, 2021
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Brendan Gallagher scored with four minutes left in the game, and the Montreal Canadiens handed the Leafs their first regulation loss since Jan. 20, a 3–1 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers.
The Leafs still hold first in the North Division, sitting three points above the second-place team. This week, the team faces the Ottawa Senators three times before yet another battle against Montreal.