3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs defeated New York Islanders 3-1

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended the calendar year of 2024 on a high note, defeating the New York Islanders 3-1 at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. The win improved Toronto's record to 23-13-2, while the Islanders fell back to 14-17-7.

The scoring was opened late in the opening 20 minutes of play by David Kampf, who scored just his second goal of the season.

The Leafs took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room after the first period. Islanders forward J.G. Pageau tied it in the second, but Steven Lorentz restored Toronto's lead. It was Lorentz's first goal in 23 games.

The Leafs then added to their lead in the game's final frame courtesy of former captain John Tavares, who scored his 19th goal with Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin lifted for an extra attacker.

Sorokin finished with 22 saves in a losing effort, while Joseph Woll stopped all but one of the 31 shots he faced from the Islanders.

This was also the fifth consecutive game the Leafs have played without injured captain Auston Matthews.

Let's examine the three reasons why the Leafs came out on top over the visiting Islanders on Tuesday afternoon.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders 3-1

#1. Joseph Woll was a brick wall between the pipes

In the offseason, the Leafs allowed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to seek other opportunities, meaning Woll would have a much larger role in the organization.

Entering the year first on the depth chart despite the signing of Anthony Stolarz, Woll has shown the poise needed from an NHL starting goaltender this season (for the most part), and Tuesday afternoon was a main example of why.

He turned aside all but one of New York's 31 shots, including three from Bo Horvat and the other four from J.G. Pageau that didn't find the back of the net.

#2. Steven Lorentz finally broke his scoring slump

Having not scored a goal in his last 23 games, Lorentz finally broke his lengthy streak by tallying in the second period with a quick shot over Sorokin's glove; his goal turned out to be the game-winning score.

#3. Toronto's defense held New York's stars in check

While the Islanders have fought inconsistency in coach Patrick Roy's first full year behind the bench, they still feature plenty of offensive firepower.

Toronto's defense, led by Morgan Rielly, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev, held them in check and also helped prevent them from tying the score late in regulation.