Auston Matthews finds the net once more, aided by his teammates, as the Maple Leafs secure their fourth consecutive victory in the absence of Morgan Rielly.
The Maple Leafs aren’t invincible, but they’re certainly not accustomed to losing frequently anymore.
Auston Matthews’ goal-scoring prowess has undoubtedly contributed, with him netting his 49th goal on Monday afternoon, marking his seventh in the last three games as the Leafs kicked off a four-game road trip with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Centre.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe commended the team’s performance, stating, “All in all, it was a good road game for us. We did enough things to win and played a smart game that minimized any sort of chances or damage that they could inflict on us.”
The Leafs have now clinched four consecutive wins and nine out of their last 12 games, suggesting they’ve found a winning formula.
Notably, William Nylander scored short-handed, and goals from Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann also contributed to the victory. Knies and McMann’s recent scoring surge, particularly outside of the Core Four players, has been significant. McMann, with six goals in his last four games, showcased his determination by chasing down St. Louis defenseman Torey Krug and converting an empty-netter, while Knies has amassed two goals and four assists in his last six games after a period of stagnation.
Commenting on Knies’ performance, Keefe noted, “He’s been good, working on the puck, making plays. I’ve seen some growth in his game for sure.”
The Leafs’ dominance against Western Conference opponents continued with their sweep of the season series against St. Louis. Goalie Ilya Samsonov’s stellar performance further solidified the team’s success, with him saving 19 of 21 shots for his fourth consecutive win.
The Leafs’ ability to secure victories without suspended defenseman Morgan Rielly reflects the team’s resilience and adaptability. Rielly’s leadership off the ice has been instrumental in motivating his teammates during this run of victories.
