4 takeaways from Leafs-Penguins: Hildeby, balanced attack comes alive in most complete win of year

Here are four takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ victory over the Penguins:

Dennis Hildeby submits excellent start in first appearance since November 13

Joseph Woll started five consecutive games and required a break. Dennis Hildeby has been used sparingly throughout the year, but in the second game of a road back-to-back, the 24-year-old submitted his best start of the season, and perhaps of his young NHL career. Hildeby made 33 saves on 35 shots and was calm and composed, while benefitting from some real run support.

Hildeby kept the Maple Leafs in the game through the opening six minutes, as the Maple Leafs didn’t register a shot until Oliver Ekman-Larsson opened the scoring. He regained his composure after allowing a shaky power play goal to Penguins rookie Ben Kindel. Hildeby made an excellent save on Blake Lizotte, while the power play faltered, as the Maple Leafs held a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.

There’s a compound effect that comes with a stellar start from Hildeby. It certainly allows the Maple Leafs to give Woll some much-needed rest and they can be patient with Anthony Stolarz’s recovery from injury, if Hildeby can prove that he’s a capable NHL backup. It was a strong performance from Hildeby, and it’s certainly worth noting that he outplayed his counterpart, Arturs Silovs, who was pulled after Dakota Joshua made it 4-1.

Hildeby was presented with the team belt, awarded to the best or most impactful player in a Leafs’ victory.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson continues to be a stellar all-around presence during nine-game point streak

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has arguably been the Maple Leafs’ best defenceman this season, and he extended his point streak to nine games, scoring the opening goal. Ekman-Larsson went deep into the offensive zone, fired a shot, picked up his own rebound, and jammed it in near the net, setting the tone for his team. It was far from his only contribution before leaving the game.

Ekman-Larsson registered a secondary assist on Bobby McMann’s goal, where McMann tipped home Morgan Rielly’s point shot. The veteran blue liner was zipping around the ice, facilitating easier exits, and he crashed down again from the point for another high-danger chance late in the second period. It was a stellar game from Ekman-Larsson, who finished with a team-best 60 percent share of the expected goals at 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick.

Unfortunately, Ekman-Larsson went to the dressing room during the third period and did not return. It would be a crushing loss for the Leafs if Ekman-Larsson missed any time at all. He’s a two-way player, he’s been their best defensive presence, he plays with a mean streak and has been one of the most consistent players on a turbulent team thus far.

Dakota Joshua, Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy break their slumps, build chemistry on 3rd line

Dakota Joshua was a healthy scratch for Wednesday’s game, and head coach Craig Berube spoke about the 29-year-old requiring a reset before re-entering the lineup. After a middling performance on Friday, Joshua responded with his best game of the season. He delivered a massive open-ice hit on Penguins defencemen Matt Dumba, and was throwing his body around, while keeping plays alive in the offensive zone.

Joshua scored his third goal of the season, during the second period, a key insurance goal for the Maple Leafs. The 6-foot-3 forward used his frame to shield off the Penguins’ defence and kept the puck along the ice for a 4-1 lead. Arturs Silovs was pulled from the contest shortly thereafter, cementing Joshua’s impact on the game.

Joshua, Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy formed Toronto’s third line, and all three players scored, with Roy notching his goal during a second-period power play. There was a commonality to be found, as all three players used their size, speed and opportunism throughout the game to generate good looks, which was evident on each of their goals. Toronto’s depth rose to the occasion

Toronto desperately needs