Nylander Steals the Show as Leafs Top Flames 4-2
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By Nemanja Petković
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Summary:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2 on Monday night.
- William Nylander scored once and set up two goals.
- The win marks the Leafs’ eighth victory against the Flames, the longest active streak against any team.
William Nylander’s Monday night was big, as the 29-year-old forward scored once and set up two more as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Calgary Flames 4-2. It was just the right kind of game Toronto needed as it opened a three game swing through Western Canada, while also continuing a familiar trend when these two teams meet.
Second Win in a Row
Toronto got goals from Matias Maccelli, Troy Stecher, and Bobby McMann. The latter managed to seal it late with an empty netter. The win moved the Maple Leafs to 26-21-9 on the season and marked their second straight victory after a 5 game homestand losing streak.
They also crept a little closer in the standings, sitting seven points back of Boston for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Calgary answered with goals from Nazem Kadri and Joel Farabee, both of whom added assists. Still, the Flames fell to 22-27-6 and could not quite recover from a rough opening minute that set the tone for the night.
Early Push from the Flames
Ryan Huska’s side started with energy and pressure, pushing the play early and forcing Toronto back. However, just 35 seconds in, a Jonathan Huberdeau pass was picked off by John Tavares, who quickly sent Nylander in alone. Nylander snapped the puck past Dustin Wolf, and Toronto never trailed after that.
Joseph Woll was steady in goal for the Leafs, stopping 28 shots to improve to 13-7-4. Wolf finished with 18 saves and dropped to 16-21-3.
Toronto carried a 1-0 lead into the second, then stretched it when Maccelli scored at 7:17. Moments later, Woll came up with a key blocker save on Matt Coronato during a Calgary breakaway.
The Flames never really recovered, and just over a minute after that save, Stecher made it 3-0 off a setup from Nylander.
Calgary pushed back late in the second period. Kadri and Farabee scored 2:30 apart to make it a one-goal game heading into the third. The Flames had some momentum, but Toronto tightened up defensively, and McMann’s empty net goal put it away.
Nylander continues to be a problem for Calgary. Born in the city while his father Michael played for the Flames, he now has 36 points in 26 career games against them. Woll has also enjoyed this matchup, improving to 5-0-0 versus Calgary.
Up next, Toronto will head to Edmonton, while Calgary will stay home to face the Oilers on Wednesday in the NHL.
