It was a great win for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday afternoon, and one of the key contributors, Max Domi, shared a message of hope for Toronto fans to look forward to.
Coming into Tuesday's mid-afternoon game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Maple Leafs needed to secure themselves a win and show that they aren't down for the count just yet.
A day removed from firing Marc Savard, the team was under a lot of pressure to win and while it was a back and forth affair after two and a half periods, the Maple Leafs turned it up.
Toronto surprises fans with early Christmas gift
Max Domi broke the tie with a gorgeous solo effort that split the Penguins defense as he floated a shot past Stuart Skinner, showing a ton of passion in the process.
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It was a night that not only Domi showed up for, but so too did William Nylander; who added four points (2 goals, 2 assists) which was his first time scoring in 11 games.
Nylander pushed his point total to a team-leading 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) meanwhile Domi added his 13th and 14th points of the season (1 goal, 1 assist).
It was a collective effort that showed exactly the type of team Toronto can be, but often chose not to for whatever reason. However it's a great sign nonetheless, and the team can really build off this.
Max Domi is confident things are going to improve
Domi certainly thinks so, and his post-game comments show that he has the utmost faith in this group even if things are a bit downtrodden right now:
We're sticking together in here. We believe in each other The win gives us a lot of confidence.
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Fans however aren't exactly impressed just yet, and don't yet believe Domi's comments ring true right now:
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Though, they should have a reason to believe the team has at least turned some type of corner, even if sharply. They didn't take a penalty all game, the team was active on the power play even if they didn't score, and both out-hit and out-blocked the Pens.
They were even neck-and-neck in shots, with Pittsburgh edging them out 32-31. It was not a bad game for the Maple Leafs, and though there were some defensive miscues that led to goals; the game as whole was a net positive.
We have to see if Domi's confidence continues or if it was a holiday miracle that the Maple Leafs sent their fans home happy on Tuesday night.