Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Marner, Knies & Rielly – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a tough battle in Boston, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Bruins. Brad Marchand scored his first goal of the regular season. Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, Boston’s OT winner came just over two minutes into the extra frame.

This has been good news for the Bruins, who have won three games in a row. It was bad news for the Maple Leafs, who continued to struggle against Boston and extended their losing streak to three games. Despite the loss, the Maple Leafs played some tough hockey. Auston Matthews tied the game late in regulation, and several other players stepped up.

Related: Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly Scores in 800th Career NHL Game

Here’s a breakdown of the Maple Leafs’ key performance and takeaways from this epic matchup.

Item 1: Auston Matthews Gets a Timely Measure

Auston Matthews kept Toronto in the game with a clutch tip-in on Mitch Marner’s shot with just 1:17 left in regulation. The goal sent the game into overtime. With this goal, Matthews has seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last six games. Despite the poor turnover in overtime that contributed to Boston’s game-winning drive, Matthews had a significant impact on the ice last night (Oct. 26).

He now leads the NHL with 42 shots in nine games. His shooting accuracy was not up to his career high (9.5% compared to 18.7%) last season. Maple Leafs fans can only hope that his hitting rate will increase as he finds his groove and the season goes on.

Mitch Marner was also in top form against the Bruins. He registered assists on three goals for Toronto. He now leads the team with 10 points, including nine assists, in nine games. Marner’s playmaking ability was on display, especially in setting up Matthews’ game-tying goal.

Related: Will Matthews and Marner Struggle to Adjust to Berube’s System?

The concern is that Marner’s minus-3 rating belies his regular play and solid defense. From the eye test, the team is still in development under the style of new coach Craig Berube. Assuming this is just a matter of time — one game up and one game down — fans should expect Marner’s 200-meter game to stabilize. He should be one of the leaders of the team who always attack and defend. It seems there are still some syncs to be made.

Point 3: Matthew Knies is on an early scoring streak

Another player who seems to have adjusted well to his new coach is Matthew Knies. His goal put Toronto on the board just 35 seconds into the second half. With four goals in nine games, Knies shows a promising and growing goal scoring talent.

Swinging alongside Matthews and Marner in the top lineup opened up scoring opportunities for the young player. However, he never really looked out of place. This season, he is showing that he can keep up with his veteran (younger) teammates. Knies’ physical play and scoring touch suggest he could have a breakout season. He could be one of those players who gradually grows in his ability to score goals each season multiple times in a row. Maple Leafs fans should remember Zach Hyman’s growth as a scorer. Knies has the ability to clean up any loose pucks in front of the opposing goalie.

Item 4: Morgan Rielly Scores Milestone Goal in Game #800

In his 800th NHL game, Rielly scored a goal in the second period. It was his fourth point of the season. While the Maple Leafs’ power play is still a work in progress, Rielly is a steady presence on the blue line. With his offensive skills and leadership on the backend, Rielly remains a key part of Toronto’s system. Fans should expect his points to increase as the season progresses.

Item 5: Anthony Stolarz Strong Again at the Crease

In his sixth start of the season, Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves and kept Toronto in the game. His 2.19 goals against average and .927 save percentage attest to his reliable play. There has not been a game in which the Maple Leafs did not stop in this game.

Related: Timmins’ Role in Map Leaf List Remains Mysterious

Although Stolarz did not get a win, and his record now sits at 3-2-1, his performance has been what the team expected when they signed him in the offseason. When Joseph Woll starts to find his legs, the Maple Leafs could have an attractive tandem of hitters to carry them through the regular season.

What’s Next for Maple Leaves?

The Maple Leafs will face the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. They will be looking to snap their three-game losing streak and continue to build chemistry under coach Berube’s program. With the contributions of points from Matthews, Marner, Knies, and Rielly, the Leafs will aim to improve their defense and reduce turnovers in critical moments.

Given that the Jets have started their quest for a perfect 8-0-0 record early in the season, Toronto will be tested. They will try to regain their momentum and climb above .500. It seems that there are no easy games for this team this season.