4 takeaways from Leafs-Sabres: Tavares caps off excellent game with OT winner, McCabe sets the tone

Tavares continues to be a constant offensive threat for the Maple Leafs and used his size and hockey intelligence to get pucks deep into the offensive zone throughout the night. Although many critics believe Tavares has lost a step, that’s simply not true in-person and he glided through the offensive zone before dishing the puck over to Matias Maccelli for a tap-in during the second period. He generated a game-high five shots in all situations, drew a penalty, won 9-of-15 faceoffs and the Maple Leafs controlled 95 percent share of the expected goals via Natural Stat Trick. It was an excellent performance that helped the Maple Leafs gain a crucial victory.

Nick Robertson scores his 1st goal of the season after moved to 1st line

Nick Robertson was placed on the first line after being rendered a healthy scratch for Friday’s game. Robertson was placed on the first line alongside Bobby McMann and Auston Matthews and scored his first goal of the season. Matthews and rookie Easton Cowan worked in tandem to win a puck battle, before Cowan found Robertson in front during the first period.

After the game, Robertson told reporters that he knew he was going to be on the first line roughly 10 minutes prior to the start of the game.

“Robbie did a good job. I thought he added energy to that line with his speed, and ended up scoring a big goal for us, which is great,” Berube said post-game.

“I mean, you guys know, it’s not a situation that I’m foreign to,” Robertson said post-game. “I just got to come in and obviously we played back-to-back. So I have kind of the energy, kind of have that advantage and want to come to the games, play with a lot of energy.”

Robertson finished his checks and played with all-out aggression throughout Saturday’s game. Berube highlighted Robertson’s scoring touch at the start of the training camp, and he may remain in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Calgary Flames, with the goal of continuing to build confidence and burying chances at the net-front.

Jake McCabe sets the tone with crushing hit on Bowen Byram, fight vs. Alex Tuch

Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe changed the momentum of the game, almost in one fell swoop. McCabe delivered a crushing open-ice hit on Sabres defenceman Bowen Byram. Sabres forward Alex Tuch took particular offence, fought McCabe, then McCabe delivered a massive punch as Tuch crashed down onto the ice.

It changed the tenor of the game, as Tuch somehow was assessed 17 penalty minutes for sticking up for Byram. For a Maple Leafs team that has been called out for lacking toughness, this is precisely what they needed.

“Yeah, I think it’s been a little lacking here this first little while,” McCabe said post-game.

“I’m certainly guilty of it too, through the first, you know, five, six games. You know, I think at the beginning of the year, sometimes you kind of dip your toe in the water rather than jump a full in. Made it a mission here the last couple nights to bring that side of my game out a little bit more because I certainly play better and I know my teammates feed off it as well. So just try to bring that emotion and energy, competitiveness and, you know, know something that we need.”

It’s clear that McCabe’s physicality and unwillingness to back down made a strong impression on his teammates.

“Yeah, he brings a lot of emotion and certainly physicality, no question,” Tavares said of McCabe post-game. “I mean, he’s got a great all around game, but, you know, whether it’s blocking shots, taking the body, he lays it all on the line. You know, he’s a heart and soul type of player, he brought great emotion the last couple days and certainly saw it here tonight.”

“Oh, it’s huge,” Robertson said of McCabe’s fight with Tuch. “I mean, we need that. We need the energy. We need that, you know, braveness and, you know, he had a big hit and a good fight and he played a great game.”

McCabe was awarded the team belt, given to the team’s best or most important player in a winning effort. It was for more than just fighting, as McCabe delivered a primary assist on Dakota Joshua’s third period goal and was active within the offence throughout the night.

Cayden Primeau delivers 2nd victory with Maple Leafs

Cayden Primeau has played sparingly but he started Saturday’s game, while Dennis Hildeby was called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to serve as his backup. Primeau made 23 saves in the winning effort and was glowing after the game.

“Yeah, I was happy for him and because he hadn’t played in a while, you know, but he’s been working hard in practice,” Berube said of Primeau post-game. “Like I said to you guys, hard working kid. I thought he did a nice job in there.”

Joseph Woll returned to the Maple Leafs following a personal leave of absence, and will resume his role as the Maple Leafs’ No. 2 goaltender when he’s ready. As for Primeau, it’s about taking it one game at a time, and delivered when needed. He did what was asked of him while providing Stolarz with some much-needed rest, which will go a long way, whether it’s with the Maple Leafs or elsewhere.

“He’s awesome,” Tavares said of Primeau post-game. “I think he’s just came in and worked every day and just tried to be as ready as he can be for his opportunity and, you know, gave us a chance to win tonight, make some big saves and, you know, just doesn’t really get shaken. I think something goes in or something maybe doesn’t go his way or our way. He just kind of gets ready for that next opportunity, that next shot, and really poised back there, so I love the job on that.

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