Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Maple Leafs Ride Frederik Andersen and Special Teams Past Nashville Predators

By Chris Okrainetz

Mar 30, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) celebrates with center Auston Matthews (34) after a win against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Maple Leafs won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) celebrates with center Auston Matthews (34) after a win against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Maple Leafs won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Behind the return of Frederik Andersen and their lethal special teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs (37-24-15) hung on to a two-goal lead en route to a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators (39-27-11).

Thoughts and Observations

  • The Toronto Maple Leafs were in control of this game for the first 40 minutes, winning puck battles, controlling the pace of play and outworking the Predators. Their efforts helped them build a 2-0 lead, but like we’ve seen time-and-time again this season, Toronto nearly blew it in the third period when Nashville turned it up a level in the third period. Thankfully, Frederik Andersen was sharp and he carried the Leafs to a victory.

    • After taking nearly 10 minutes to register their first shot in the third period, the Leafs finished the frame with two shots and were simply dominated by the Preds. The Leafs have improved at closing games out as the season has progressed, but these kind of third period lulls are clearly still a concern for this team.

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  • Andersen was the star of this game. On top of his phenomenal third period performance, Freddy was excellent on the penalty kill and his ability to make big saves — like the one he had on Kevin Fiala — propelled the Leafs to a victory.
  • How great has the Leafs’ special teams been this season? Toronto went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill and scored two of their three goals on the power play, courtesy of James van Riemsdyk and Auston Matthews. If the Leafs do make the playoffs, their special teams will play a pivotal role during the postseason.
  • Another game, another rookie record falls. After Matthews broke Wendel Clark‘s rookie record for most goals in a season, Mitch Marner broke Gus Bodnar‘s 73 year record for most assists by a Leafs rookie in a season when he registered his 41st assist on JVR’s power play goal. Marner has been a magician this season and it’s no surprise he broke Bodnar’s record. I think we’ve all become accustomed to this group breaking records, which removes some of the “wow factor” attached to these accomplishments, but once the season is over we’ll look back and appreciate just how amazing these accomplishments are.
  • Speaking of rookie records, William Nylander‘s 12 game point streak came to an end on Thursday, snapping a Leafs rookie franchise record.

    • Mike Babcock said this team has become more poised as the season has progressed and they’ve learned how to win. Considering they own a 9-1-2 record here down the stretch, it’s tough to argue against Babcock. This team looks to be peaking at exactly the right time.

    Andersen was excellent in March:

    There were some questionable penalty calls against the Leafs and one or two that you could classify as “lazy,” but no matter which way you look at it, staying out of the box was an issue for the Leafs on Thursday.

    How about these playoff odds for the Leafs? Also, if you’re not following MoneyPuck.com, I strongly encourage you too. It’s a fun site to follow during the NHL stretch run.

    Stat of the Night

    29-1-9

    The Leafs improved their record to 29-1-9 when leading after two periods of play. This team has blown a lot of leads this season, that’s well documented, but perhaps we’re not giving them enough credit for being able to earn points when they lead a team after 40 minutes of play?

    Toronto Maple Leafs
    Toronto Maple Leafs /

    Toronto Maple Leafs

    What’s Next

    The Maple Leafs have Friday off before they begin a grueling final stretch that will see them play six games in eight days, starting at the Joe Louis Arena on Saturday night when they take on the Detroit Red Wings (31-34-12).

    Detroit will miss the postseason for the first time in what feels like forever, but, despite their playoff absence, they should be motivated to play the Leafs for the final time at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings are 2-2-1 during their last five games, but they have allowed three or more goals in three consecutive games.

    With Toronto needing a victory to keep teams like the Boston Bruins off their tail, I expect to see a spirited effort on Saturday night. Also, just a hunch, but I think you can safely bet Babcock wants to win his final game in the Joe. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and you can catch the game on CBC Hockey Night in Canada.

    Next: Report: Leafs, Zaitsev 'Working Towards' Seven-Year Extension

    What did you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

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