Pacioretty resurrects, Woll plays saviour, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 3-2 over Anaheim Ducks

The Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 at the Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night. With the win, the Maple Leafs tied the Florida Panthers atop the Atlantic Division.

Max Pacioretty led the way with three points (2G, 1A), John Tavares had two points, with William Nylander adding the other goal for the Leafs. Joseph Woll was sharp, making 19 saves. Frank Vatrano and Jackson LaCombe had the tallies for the Ducks.

So, let’s take a closer look at the three reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won over Anaheim Ducks

#3 The Leafs played a strong, tight-checking game

The Toronto Maple Leafs played a relatively unattractive tight-checking game. The Leafs dominated the third period, suffocating the Ducks’ attempt to tie the game. Toronto outshot Anaheim 10-5 in the third. While the Leafs didn’t score in the third, the shot count was proof of how well they controlled the period.

It’s worth pointing out that the Leafs did a great job of locking down the game with the score 3-2 after 40 minutes. This approach is a contrast to other Leafs’ teams from the past. Moving forward, the Leafs look poised to continue securing wins when leading after two periods.

#2 The veterans took charge

Max Pacioretty, who joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a PTO this offseason, continued to show he’s still capable of being a successful NHLer at this point in his career.

Pacioretty’s three-point night was a solid performance to go with John Tavares’ two assists. Tavares and Pacioretty have shown solid chemistry this season. Moreover, William Nylander has also gelled well with Pacioretty and Tavares.

For Nylander, his goal was his team-leading 18th of the season. Nylander continues to score regardless of where he plays in the lineup.

#1 Woll rescued Leafs after Stolarz injury

Joseph Woll rescued the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night after Anthony Stolarz left the game with a lower-body injury. Stolarz played the first 20 minutes, making seven saves on eight shots. However, Stolarz hurt himself in the opening frame, prompting the team to pull him from the game.

Woll came in relief and held the fort, making 19 saves on 20 shots. Woll’s rock-solid performance, especially in the third period, gave his team the confidence to lock the game down.

It remains to be seen if Stolarz will miss any more games. After the game, Craig Berube said more will be known about Stolarz on Friday. Sportsnet reported insider Frank Seravalli’s comments, suggesting that Stolarz’s injury should not be of concern.

The Leafs will get a day off before taking on division rivals, the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres, on back-to-back nights this upcoming weekend.