The Maple Leafs finally prove they are alive with a massive statement win over Florida
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After what felt like a torturous month of November, the Toronto Maple Leafs started off their December schedule with a dominant 4-1 win over Florida proving they have a lot more fight still in them.
Coming into Florida with last year's playoffs still fresh in their minds, the Toronto Maple Leafs needed a statement win and boy did they get it.
Skating away with a 4-1 victory, it was the third line again that helped spark the offense, and Toronto actually dominated for the majority of the game -- even outshooting the relentless reigning Stanley Cup Champion Panthers.
Toronto got goals from Troy Stecher, Dakota Joshua, Scott Laughton and John Tavares which goes to show the team got contributions from every area on the ice and finally showed the style of play that's been absent early on this season.
The 'new guys' steal the show in Florida
But kudos has to be given to the new guys, and while some of them aren't as new as the others -- it showed Toronto can utilize their depth.
The bottom-six combined for six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and a plus-9 for the night, which is a very impressive display from the depth pieces who finally look like they're getting into a groove.
The most impressive player arguably over the last couple of weeks is defenseman Troy Stecher, who pushed his point streak to three games (4 points) and added his first of the year to open the scoring.
His transition offense and ability to control the puck with ease has allowed Toronto to get more quality chances and stop giving up so many to the opposition.
While he's not necessarily new this year, Scott Laughton added yet another great defensive display while finally scoring his first of the year, which must feel like a monkey off his back given the slow start he had in Toronto.
Why this back-to-back win proves the 'month of pain' is finally over
We can't guarantee that the worst is over, as Toronto still has two of their top-four defensemen out with injury, but if this is the type of game we can expect when they come back -- the Leafs may have a massive boost late in the year.
Toronto historically is not good in October but good in November. They seemed to take a bit longer this year, but going off their last two games we saw a much different team. They were unified, playing for each other and most importantly -- working hard.
They don't win against Florida without that energy and hard-work, and while there were a few blips throughout the game, that naturally comes with the territory.
They also seemed to learn how to deal with their discipline issues as they only took one penalty against Florida which means if they can limit their penalties consistently, they can keep the pressure on -- something they did all night with the Panthers.
We're seeing a much different Maple Leafs team and for the first time this season, showed they can play two great games in a row and control the pace much like they did last year.
That means the team should be in the clear going forward and are gaining a ton of momentum at the perfect time.
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