Reunited Matthews, Marner shine, Nylander’s PP goal, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 3-2 over Nashville Predators

The Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Nashville Predators 3-2 at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews had a pair of goals with William Nylander adding a power play tally, while Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Jankowski scored for the Predators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are now on a three-game winning streak and have taken sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division.

Here’s a look at three key reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won over Nashville Predators

#1. Joseph Woll had another solid outing

Joseph Woll backstopped the Toronto Maple Leafs with 22 saves. He has put together a string of solid starts since returning from injury earlier this season. In his last five starts, Woll has allowed three goals or fewer, including a shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights on Nov. 20.

While Woll wasn’t forced to be spectacular, he was good when needed. He was key in shutting down the Predators’ two power-play opportunities. Most importantly, Woll kept the Leafs in the game, as they didn’t score until the third period.

#2. Nylander got the power play going

William Nylander added a crucial insurance goal in the third period, scoring the Leafs' third goal within a five-minute span. Nylander took a nifty feed from Mitch Marner and buried a one-timer past Predators goaltender Juuse Saros.

For Nylander, the goal was his team-leading 16th of the season. The tally proved to be the game-winner, as the Predators added a late goal to cut the deficit to one. However, Nylander’s goal stood, and the Toronto Maple Leafs ended the night 1-for-3 on the power play.

#3. Matthews, Marner led the way with multi-point games in reunion

Auston Matthews seems to be heating up, as he scored two goals on the night. Matthews now has three goals in his last two games and appears poised to go on a goal-scoring tear. If that’s the case, he could make up for lost time and potentially get back into the Rocket Richard conversation.

Meanwhile, Mitch Marner added three assists, bringing his total to 36 points in 25 games. Marner’s three-point night puts him in the top three in assists and the top five in points.

Coach Craig Berube’s decision to reunite Marner and Matthews paid off, as the duo played most of the game together, sealing the Leafs’ comeback win.

The Maple Leafs will have a day off on Thursday before taking on the Washington Capitals on Friday night.