Devils Defeated: Toronto beats New Jersey 4-2

The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their winning way Thursday night with a 4-2 victory at home against the New Jersey Devils. The Maple Leafs have been as hot as any team in the NHL recently boasting their record over the past nine games to 7-1-1.

Tonight, the decision was made that fan favourite, Josh Leivo would slot back into the lineup on the fourth line for the Maple Leafs tonight. The decision by Coach Mike Babcock did not take too long to pay dividends.

Within the first 3-minutes of the game, Toronto found themselves trailing the Devils 1-0 after a goal from John Moore. It was not too long afterwards however that the aforementioned Josh Leivo would draw a penalty, and the Toronto Maple Leafs would head to the man-advantage.

With the extra man, the Maple Leafs were able to generate a flurry of chances, and on his third shot attempt during the PP, it was none other than Josh Leivo potting the puck past Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid to make it 1-1.

Before the period came to an end, William Nylander would continue his hot streak with his 21st goal of the season to give the Leafs a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

The Leafs looked their best tonight in the 2nd period as they were able to limit New Jersey to a measly total of 7-shots towards Curtis McElhinney while also extending their lead to 3-1. After Tyler Bozak dumped the puck off to Mitch Marner, Marner bounced the puck off of goalie Keith Kinkaid's pads and onto the stick of a streaking James Van Riemsdyk who made no mistake off of the rebound. Although the Leafs were up 3-1 heading into the 3rd, based off of how this season has developed, their was no reason to feel too comfortable.

With Morgan Reilly in the box and the Devils already on the powerplay midway through the 3rd, Leafs defenseman Matt Hunwick labelled Devils forward Kyle Palmieri along the boards. This seemed to strike a nerve in the Devils as a mini brawl broke out behind the Devils net which included Travis Zajac and Brian Boyle dropping the gloves. After all of the penalties were assessed, the Leafs would get the extra minor and the Devils would have a 5-on-3.

After the penalty to Morgan Reilly expired he jumped quickly back into the action, but he turned the puck over which led to John Moore netting his second of the game, and the Devils cut the lead to 3-2. While there was some contact with Joseph Blandisi and Curtis McElhinney in front of the net, the call on the ice would stand.

Behind solid play from back-up goalie Curtis McElhinney and an empty netter from Connor Brown, the Maple Leafs were able to seal their second victory in two nights as they defeated the New Jersey Devils by a score of 4-2.

With the Boston Bruins falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 tonight, Toronto's point lead on the Bruins extended to 3-points. Ottawa however was able to defeat Pittsburgh 2-1 in a shootout, and they remain 3-points up on the Leafs.

Toronto has turned in a very impressive record over their past-nine games, and if there is anything that can be accredited for this 7-1-1 record it is their ability to bend but not break. While the Maple Leafs have yet to perfect the art of closing out a game, they are no longer completely blowing leads late in game which rests both on improved play from the defense, and strong play between the pipes. Curtis McElhinney faced 14 shots in the 3rd period, and turned away all but one. He has proven in his starts with Toronto that he can be a good backup goalie, and is everything you could ask for out of a waiver pickup.

*** Next Toronto Maple Leafs Game

@ Buffalo Sabres, Satruday, March 25th, 2017 (7:00PM)