Feb 8, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs ahead Auston Matthews (34) celebrates a purpose scored defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) in opposition to the Vancouver Canucks within the second interval at Rogers Area. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Frid-Imagn Photos The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to construct off an imperfect win after they hit the street to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.
The Maple Leafs kick off a four-game journey on the heels of a 6-3 home-ice victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
Toronto noticed a 4-0 lead grow to be a one-goal recreation when Carolina scored a trio of objectives in lower than three minutes through the third interval, however the Maple Leafs sealed the victory due to a pair of empty-net objectives.
“Some unfortunate bounces, nevertheless it was win,” ahead Steven Lorentz mentioned. “We’ll take that proper after the break, after 10 days off. We’re pleased with it and can simply get proper again to it (Sunday).”
Due to 4 victories in 5 video games, the Maple Leafs are one level behind the Florida Panthers for prime spot within the Atlantic Division and boast two video games in hand.
Of the half-dozen markers Toronto collected within the Carolina win, two had been important milestones. Captain Auston Matthews’ insurance coverage purpose was the 389th of his profession, which moved him right into a tie with Darryl Sittler for second place on Toronto’s all-time record. Mats Sundin is the franchise chief with 420.
As properly, Alex Steeves, the 25-year-old ahead who leads the American Hockey League in objectives this season with 29, was summoned from the minors and opened the scoring together with his first profession NHL purpose in his twelfth big-league recreation.
“It felt actually good. A little bit of a reduction. It was good to get the sport began like that,” Steeves mentioned. “Anytime anybody will get known as up, you simply wish to make an influence. Objectives are good. I’m a purpose scorer and I do know I is usually a purpose scorer at this stage.”
The Blackhawks are on the different finish of the spectrum.
Chicago, which is forward of solely the San Jose Sharks within the general standings, returns house after struggling a 5-1 street loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Regardless that they’re within the throes of a rebuild and destined to complete properly again of a playoff spot, the losses — particularly within the method the Columbus defeat transpired — are carrying on the Chicago gamers.
“Irritating. Particularly coming off the break and a pair days of observe to organize ourselves,” ahead Craig Smith mentioned. “It is the way in which it goes, nevertheless it’s irritating. It is unacceptable. It is embarrassing. To a sure level, it is getting embarrassing. We’ve got to proceed to dig deep, personally, earlier than each recreation.”
The Blackhawks fell behind early and managed to tug shut at 2-1 halfway by the affair however had been no match when the Blue Jackets pulled away, leaving them with just one victory in six video games and two in 10 video games.
Though the Blackhawks have an extended technique to go to be a contender, interim coach Anders Sorensen has the job of discovering methods to encourage his gamers down the stretch, particularly in video games in opposition to groups both battling to make the playoffs or solidify their place within the standings.
“Delight. You have got pleasure as a participant and have pleasure as a gaggle,” Sorensen mentioned. “Let’s be sincere, there’s loads of guys you are enjoying to your future, if it is for us or with another person. You have to be able to go. Take pleasure in what you are doing. I do not suppose it ought to matter the place you might be within the standings.”
–Discipline Degree Media
