Toronto Maple Leafs' William Nylander celebrates with teammate Matthew Knies after scoring against the Calgary Flames in the second period of their NHL game in Toronto on Monday, March 17, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
The Toronto Maple Leafs bounced back in dominant fashion Monday night, crushing the Calgary Flames 6-2. Frustrated after losing five of their last six games, the Leafs came out firing, determined to turn things around.
Leafs Bring the Heat After Tough Losses
Toronto’s head coach Craig Berube sensed the team’s frustration ahead of the game. "They're not happy. They're pissed off," he said before puck drop. That fire translated onto the ice, where the Leafs overpowered a desperate Calgary squad.
Auston Matthews led the charge with two power-play goals and an assist, bringing his season total to 26 goals. He had been vocal after Saturday’s loss to Ottawa, urging his teammates to match the intensity needed for the final stretch of the regular season. The team answered.
Offence Fires on All Cylinders
Toronto started with renewed energy, setting the tone early. Matthews credited the team’s improved attitude: "Good energy, good start. Everyone brought it." His leadership showed not just in words, but in action.
After struggling offensively in recent games, Matthews found the back of the net for the third time in two games, a stark contrast to his previous 16-game stretch with just three goals. "That’s your leader," Berube said. "He led the way with effort and competitiveness."
Max Domi also stepped up with a goal and an assist, while William Nylander contributed a power-play goal and two assists. The Leafs went a perfect 3-for-3 on the power play, a huge turnaround after failing to score on four chances against Florida and Ottawa.
Key Defensive Stops and Special Teams Success
While Toronto’s offence stole the spotlight, their penalty kill was just as critical. The Flames had four power-play opportunities but failed to capitalize. This was a major improvement for the Leafs, who had allowed six shorthanded goals in their last five games.
"Guys were pressuring, moving their feet, breaking up plays," Berube said. "Calgary’s power play is no joke, but our PK stepped up. Woll made the saves we needed."
Goaltender Joseph Woll, who stopped 24 shots, called Matthews "the best player out there."
Turning Point: Coach’s Challenge Saves the Leafs
Calgary appeared to tie the game at 2-2 in the second period, but Berube successfully challenged the goal for offside. It took longer than expected for officials to confirm, but the call was overturned, shifting momentum back to Toronto.
What’s Next for the Leafs?
Toronto (40-24-3) sits just two points behind the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division. Up next, they face a tough schedule, hosting the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday before hitting the road to battle the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators.
"This week's gonna be tough," Matthews said. "We’ve got to enjoy this win but stay locked in."
