Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs – YouTube
It was a great win for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday afternoon, and one of the key contributors, Max Domi, shared a message of hope for Toronto fans to look forward to.
A day removed from firing Marc Savard, the team was under a lot of pressure to win and while it was a back and forth affair after two and a half periods, the Maple Leafs turned it up.
Toronto surprises fans with early Christmas gift
Max Domi broke the tie with a gorgeous solo effort that split the Penguins defense as he floated a shot past Stuart Skinner, showing a ton of passion in the process.
It was a night that not only Domi showed up for, but so too did William Nylander; who added four points (2 goals, 2 assists) which was his first time scoring in 11 games.
Nylander pushed his point total to a team-leading 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) meanwhile Domi added his 13th and 14th points of the season (1 goal, 1 assist).
It was a collective effort that showed exactly the type of team Toronto can be, but often chose not to for whatever reason. However it’s a great sign nonetheless, and the team can really build off this.
Max Domi is confident things are going to improve
We’re sticking together in here. We believe in each other The win gives us a lot of confidence.
Fans however aren’t exactly impressed just yet, and don’t yet believe Domi’s comments ring true right now:
Though, they should have a reason to believe the team has at least turned some type of corner, even if sharply. They didn’t take a penalty all game, the team was active on the power play even if they didn’t score, and both out-hit and out-blocked the Pens.
They were even neck-and-neck in shots, with Pittsburgh edging them out 32-31. It was not a bad game for the Maple Leafs, and though there were some defensive miscues that led to goals; the game as whole was a net positive.
We have to see if Domi’s confidence continues or if it was a holiday miracle that the Maple Leafs sent their fans home happy on Tuesday night.
Previously on Hockey Patrol