Matthews, Woll Lead Maple Leafs In 3-2 Win – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

With goaltending at the top of their game in their recent run, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the toughest teams to beat in the NHL over the past few weeks. Even with the return of Auston Matthews to the lineup and lineup changes, the chemistry hasn't changed much and their duo in net has continued to be one of the best duos in the game right now.

While it took some jumping to open the scoring for the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night against the Maple Leafs — hitting the glass behind Joseph Woll and his stick before going into the back of the net — the Maple Leafs were able to win. An early deficit and you go home another two points atop the NHL's Atlantic Division.

Jospeh Woll Remains Hard to Beat

Then there were more than five minutes left to start the game when Jonathan Marchessault opened the field with his fifth goal of the season. It was his second goal in the past 11 games and it cleared the backboards and Woll's stick for a chance in the Maple Leafs net.

The goal gave the Predators a 1-0 lead and they wouldn't score again until nearly 17 minutes into the third period – a key point after the Maple Leafs scored three straight to take the lead.

As for Woll, he stopped 22 of 24 shots for a .917 save percentage (SV%) and improved his overall season numbers. In his last six games, including Wednesday night, Woll is 6-0-0 with a 1.82 goals-against average (GAA) and a .935 SV% along with one shutout.

Leafs Joseph Woll: Last 6 starts

Record 6-0-0
GAA 1.82
Save Percent .935
Closing 1 pic.twitter.com/Z5HE0yXJHP

– Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 5, 2024

As for the first goal, Woll wasn't about to let it get under his skin: “I thought I was laughing… It was good, get over it.”

Punishments for Rapists Hurt the Momentum

While it wasn't an overly penalized game, the penalties the Predators took were against some players who were required to stay on the ice. In fact, the three young players who were sent off are Steven Stamkos, who finished with four minutes in penalties, and Marchessault, who put the Predators ahead in the first half.

The Predators were able to eliminate two of the three penalties, but the Maple Leafs who ended up winning the game were hit on the power play five minutes into the third period by William Nylander.

It wasn't so much the goal, but the fact that two of their best players were taken off the ice for six minutes when they needed to push the envelope against a powerful offensive team like the Maple Leafs.

If there was one positive to take from it, it was that they were able to kill two of three penalties and keep it a close game.

Matthews, Marner Continue to Produce

As for the Maple Leafs' goals, Matthews and Mitch Marner connected on two of them – one coming just 31 seconds into the third frame before he added his eighth of the season less than two minutes later.

OH MY AUSTON MATTHEWS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3U2ag94SfR

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 5, 2024

Since returning from injury, Matthews has three goals and five points in three games and has scored in back-to-back games. Wednesday's two-point performance made his season highs at eight goals and 16 points in 16 games this season.

As for Marner, he assisted on all three of his team's goals against the Predators giving him 27 assists on the season. It brings his total to nine goals and 36 points in 25 games for the Maple Leafs. He is currently fifth in the NHL in goals and third in assists for a star forward.

For the Maple Leafs, it was their third straight win to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division while it was the fifth straight loss for the lowly Predators. The Maple Leafs return to the ice on Friday against the Washington Capitals as they look to continue their winning streak, while the Predators prepare for the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night in Montreal.