Matthews, Core Four chip in, Stolarz’s 27 saves, and more: 3 reasons for Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 win over Chicago Blackhawks

The Toronto Maple Leafs got a convincing 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night at the Scotiabank Arena.

Leafs captain Auston Matthews started the scoring with his first goal since returning from injury. John Tavares notched his 11th of the season in the second period. Fraser Minten and Matthew Knies (EN) rounded out the scoring for Toronto, while Lucas Reichel responded for the Blackhawks.

So, here’s a closer look at the three main reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.

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Three reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks

#3 Auston Matthews of the Core Four led the way

Auston Matthews was up to his old self on Monday night. He got the game’s opening goal while playing a physical forechecking style in the offensive zone. He was also solid defensively, supporting his teammates on the back.

Matthews had a goal, played just a shade under 20 minutes, and had three shots on goal. He was a strong presence throughout the game, showing leadership particularly as the Leafs locked the game down in the third period. His efforts earned him the game’s second star.

Additionally, Mitch Marner continued to add to his point total with two assists, while William Nylander chipped in with an assist to go with Tavares' goal. As such, the Core Four had a productive game on Monday night.

#2 Toronto's penalty kill continues to dominate

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a perfect penalty kill on Monday night. The Buds killed off four Chicago power plays, keeping the Blackhawks off the scoresheet. Entering the game, the Leafs’ penalty kill was ranked eighth in the league with an 81.5% rate. Now, that rate should go even higher, potentially positioning the club in seventh spot.

While the Maple Leafs’ power play went 0-for-2, the three even-strength goals were enough to power them past the Blackhawks. The Leafs’ power play has cooled off since going on a hot streak, but having Matthews back should help the power play pick up and generate more offense.

#1 Anthony Stolarz was solid

Anthony Stolarz had a great bounce-back game. In his last start, Stolarz gave up four goals against his former team, the Florida Panthers. The Leafs lost 5-1 with a mostly depleted lineup.

This time, Stolarz was fantastic against the Blackhawks. He dazzled throughout the game but was particularly strong in the second period, making key saves on shots in close. During a specific sequence, Stolarz robbed former Leaf Ilya Mikheyev before making a big glove save to keep the game 2-0.

While the Blackhawks would end up spoiling the shutout, Stolarz did well in goal, making 27 saves for the win. That performance earned Stolarz the game’s first star.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a day to catch their breaths before facing the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night at the Scotiabank Arena.