"Way to end 2024" "Thank you Woll": Maple Leafs fans rejoice as Toronto finally avenges against Islanders

The Toronto Maple Leafs took down the New York Islanders 3-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena. After going 1-3-0 during Auston Matthews' absence, the win marked an important step in steadying the ship without their captain.

Netminder Joseph Woll was excellent, stopping 30 out of 31 shots. Toronto also received some much-needed depth scoring with goals from David Kampf and the game-winner from Steven Lorentz.

After a 6-3 loss to the Islanders on Dec. 21, Maple Leafs fans were much happier with the result of today's matchup.

They shared those good feelings on X postgame.

"Another ugly win. Thank you Woll!," one fan said.

"Way to end 2024!!!," another fan said.

"Great way to end 2024! Let's keep it going in 2025!," another fan added.

A collective sigh of relief from Leafs Nation. More fan reactions continued to pour in after the win.

"I love beating the Islanders," one fan said.

"Great way to end the year," another fan said.

"Much needed win amazing game by Woll," added one more fan.

Although we're only 38 games into the 2024-25 season, Maple Leafs fans are smart enough to know how big of a win this was. Woll's performance will provide the team and fanbase a major confidence boost, with Anthony Stolarz still sidelined due to a lower-body injury.

Maple Leafs will take on Islanders in a rematch later this week

For the third time in two weeks, the Maple Leafs and Islanders will face off in their final matchup of the season on Thursday night at UBS Arena. Toronto heads into action with a 23-13-2 record, good for 48 points this season. Meanwhile, the Islanders have struggled to the tune of a 14-17-7 record, having accumulated only 35 points.

Auston Matthews participated in Monday's practice but didn't play in Tuesday afternoon's game. The captain's practice status in the upcoming days will provide us with a better idea of whether or not he'll return to game action on Long Island. His presence would undoubtedly change how the Islanders gameplan for the Leafs.

The Maple Leafs hope to have Matthews on Thursday night against New York, where the puck will drop at 7:30 p.m. ET.