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The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up a road win in Minnesota against the Wild by a score of 4-3. It wasn’t easy; and, in the end, the Wild made it close. However, Matt Murray showed up and held his team in the game with a big save after another big save. The team helped him because they seemed completely dialed in. Perhaps it was the decimated lineup; whatever, they seemed focused.
In this edition of Maple Leafs’ takeaways, I’ll look at the three key takeaways from the perspective of the Blue and White. Surprisingly, right now, only three NHL teams have more points than the Maple Leafs.
Takeaway One: Matt Murray Is Far Better than Advertised
After a great game, perhaps it’s a one-off. After games two and three, perhaps Matt Murray is on a roll. Now, after five straight games, the truth is out, Murray’s been fantastic. He’s been a story since he’s come back from injury.
Looking at the box score might give the wrong impression. Murray faced 28 shots and let three in (for a save percentage of .893); however, the quality of the Minnesota shots was high. In the end, Murray saved the game for the team when he stopped Connor Dewar on a breakaway in the closing minute of the second period.
Matinee Murray @Molson_Canadian | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/BSueCdheIi
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 25, 2022
That tough save by Murray prevented the Wild from tying the game before the second-period intermission. Then with the Wild pushing, Murray stood tall.
The only thing Murray did wrong is that he kept knocking the net off the post for a stoppage in play. He might begin to get a number of delay of game penalties should he continue to do this. It will get the officials’ attention.
Takeaway Two: Mitch Marner Is Absolutely on a Roll
Mitch Marner scored the first Maple Leafs’ goal. Not only did it give the team the lead, but it moved the dial on his point streak. He now has points in 15 straight games. It’s now the longest point-scoring streak in the NHL this season.
Furthermore, Marner’s streak is the longest by a Maple Leafs’ player in 28 seasons. His goal, which pushed his points streak to 15 games, is now only three games off the franchise record of 18. Both Darryl Sittler and Ed Olczyk share that record.
Takeaway Three: William Nylander Ties Borje Salming’s Record
Later in the third period, William Nylander slapped a shot from the slot past Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury’s stick to give his team a two-goal lead. The team needed it.
HOOLYYYYYYY WILLLLLLLLLY! pic.twitter.com/XLk7kcn4Gf
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 25, 2022
The goal was Nylander’s 11th of the season. Even more impressive is that it helped him tie Borje Salming’s franchise record for the second-most goals scored by a Swede in Maple Leafs’ history with 148 goals. His goal gave the Maple Leafs a 4-2 lead.
More must-reads:
- Maple Leafs star breaks silence on postseason absence, addresses Game 4 status
- Canucks goalie remains sidelined due to injury
- The '100 catches in an NFL season' quiz
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