Toronto Maple Leafs News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Matthews, Domi, Woll & Special Teams

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 11:55 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs achieved a decisive 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames on St. Patrick’s Day. The win gave the team a much-needed boost after their recent struggles. Auston Matthews led his team by scoring two goals and adding an assist, but the team’s power play was also on fire, converting two of two chances. Toronto’s special teams were crucial, as they also successfully killed all penalties, further solidifying a dominant performance.

Max Domi also put up a strong game, and Mitch Marner’s playmaking was key in setting up chances. Marner set up William Nylander’s goal to give him 60 assists in a season for the fourth time in his career. With that milestone, he passes Borje Salming for the most 60-plus assist seasons in franchise history.

The Maple Leafs were in control from the opening puck drop. They maintained intensity throughout the game—even in the third period when the outcome was already a given. With the win, the Maple Leafs remain bunched up with the two Florida teams. They are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning with 83 points with 67 games played and two points behind the Florida Panthers, (the Maple Leafs and Lightning each have one game in hand.) That means if the Lighting and the Maple Leafs win their next games, the Atlantic Division will be tied with 68 games played. That’s tight.

Item One: Is Auston Matthews Back?

Matthews was back to his dominant self last night and one can only hope this is a return to his goal-scoring form. How good was he on the night? The numbers don’t lie. Matthews scored two power-play goals and added an assist, leading the team with five shots on goal, three blocked shots, and a dominant 13-of-17 showing in the faceoff circle. His all-around, on-ice leadership helped snap the Maple Leafs’ rough 1-4-1 stretch. Surprisingly, it was the Maple Leafs’ first win by more than one goal in the past 10 games.

Matthews took what head coach Craig Berube said to heart. He set the tone early, showing the competitiveness and work ethic that coach Berube highlighted as key to his leadership. Matthews’ energy was infectious and amped up his team’s play. It was the first time in 17 games he had scored more than once, and it finally broke him out of a slump where he had only four goals. His game-changing performance reminded fans that he can lift his entire team when he’s on fire.

Item Two: Max Domi Shines on Saint Patrick’s Day

Domi again stood out in the Maple Leafs’ win as his line had jump and his playmaking skills were evident. Although he’s been inconsistent for much of the season, last night he hustled, looked confident on the ice, and made fans wonder if the shooter he needs might just be Nicholas Robertson.

While Domi scored, the highlight of his offense was a beautiful helper to Robertson. When partnered with the right guy, Domi could become a strong playmaker. Domi’s been trending upward in recent games as he’s put a notch on the scoresheet in three of his last four and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 12 games since the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Item Three: Joseph Woll Earns Second Straight Win

Joseph Woll was solid in the crease, stopping 24 of 26 shots. The truth is, it was a quiet win for the young goalie. Still, his consistency has earned him a 3-1-0 record over his last four starts. However, he had a 3.90 goals against average and a .870 save percentage over that stretch, mainly due to a rough game against the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this month where he was pulled for the first time ever after allowing three goals on seven shots. He’s now won four of his last five.

Woll’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed mask enhanced the festive atmosphere of the game, and it was fun to see the iconic blue and white in the once-iconic green and white. (The Toronto St. Patricks wore green-and-white sweaters from 1917 until 1927.) Last night, Woll stepped up. However, the strong defense helped him keep the team on track in its playoff push.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs’ high intensity was evident from the get-go, and their special teams looked much sharper than in recent games. The win is a nice rebound effort for a team that had struggled with power-play execution.

Toronto must continue to play with urgency and intensity tomorrow, with a crucial game against the Colorado Avalanche. Can Matthews’ return to form help his team secure strong playoff positioning as the regular season winds down? That’s the goal—first place in the Atlantic Division.