Maple Leafs' win over Penguins shows their true identity

Finally, good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did they win 7-2 in Pittsburgh, but they finally played like a team with a clear identity.

In a back-to-back, with travel and fatigue, Toronto dominated in the two areas that usually define big nights. Emotional control of the game and execution in key moments. The difference was in how head coach Craig Berube managed his stars and, of course, how the bottom of the lineup pushed discreetly but efficiently.

The role of Auston Matthews was key. Berube clearly reduced his penalty-kill presence, but asked him to be more present in five-on-five and power-play situations, which worked perfectly. He was fresher, and it was noticed mainly in his aggressiveness, in the confidence to unleash the slap shot and in the reading of timing within the opponent's zone.

Also, no forward — except for Matthew Knies — exceeded 20 minutes of ice time, and it worked well. Bobby McMann, Nic Roy, Nick Robertson and Dakota Joshua contributed timely goals that sustained momentum and punished the opponent's mistakes.

Goaltender Dennis Hildeby registered 35 saves on 37 shots. Pittsburgh attempted a push, but Toronto responded with a cool head and decisiveness.

Why the Maple Leafs' victory over the Penguins is such promising news

Any slump starting in December will no longer be seen as bad luck. Berube's team seems to have reacted in time, and this can only be a good omen for the final stretch of the year.

Beyond the win, the message is also important. Berube aligned roles with talent. Matthews is the main man on attack, Knies with minutes in which he generated high impact and the bottom-six are ready to jump on the ice without excess risk.

If Toronto keeps playing that way, they won't need perfect nights to win -- which is great news -- but will just need orderly and opportunistic nights. The upcoming stretch against playoff contenders will be the real measuring stick. If this team can keep playing with this discipline and direct, simple attack, then the 7-2 win in Pittsburgh won’t be an illusion. It’ll be the night things changed.