Maple Leafs news and rumors: Woll, Knies, Marner, Tanev & Robertson – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 in a game Saturday night (Nov. 30) that looked like an easy win until it happened. Joseph Woll was the standout for the Maple Leafs, making 38 saves to secure the win. Auston Matthews returned to the lineup after missing nine games and had an assist, while Mitch Marner added two assists, and Chris Tanev had a goal and an assist.

Related: Maple Leafs Overcome Late Lightning Comeback to Win 5-3

Toronto went ahead 4-0, with goals from Nicholas Robertson, John Tavares, William Nylander and Tanev. Despite a lightning late game, scoring three goals in just over six minutes, the Maple Leafs held on, Nylander scoring on a well-placed empty net goal assisted by Matthews.

Item 1: Joseph Woll Appears as Number 1 on the Map Leaf Net

Joseph Woll continues his impressive streak, making 38 saves in the Maple Leafs' 5-3 win over Tampa Bay on Saturday. The game marked Woll's fifth straight win and sixth in eight starts this season. With an outstanding 2.13 goals-against average and .923 save percentage, Woll has solidified his place as the most reliable option in the Maple Leafs' crease.

The 25-year-old netminder remained calm and composed under pressure, showing the ability to hold the Jennings Trophy-winning tandem with Anthony Stolarz. Woll's performance has been crucial for a Maple Leafs team aiming for defensive stability. If he keeps up this pace, is Woll ready to be Toronto's long-term solution in net? Perhaps best of all, both Woll and Stolarz could give the team the goaltending tandem they've been looking for.

Item 2: Matthew Shines Back From Injury

Matthew Knies made an immediate impact in his return to the Maple Leafs lineup, scoring a goal and adding an assist in a 5-3 victory. After missing two games with an injury, Knies wasted no time getting back on the score sheet, redirecting the puck past Andrei Vasilevskiy to open the scoring in the first half. For some reason, the Maple Leafs have had Vasilevskiy's number for the past few games. As a fan, it's hard not to be happy about that fact.

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Knies' performance showed his growing confidence and ability to make plays under pressure. With nine goals and 14 points in 21 games this season, the 21-year-old is getting another level in 2024-25. For the Maple Leafs, Knies' combination of skill and toughness adds a valuable dimension to the team going forward. Could this season mark Knies' emergence as a high-level NHL contributor?

Item 3: Mitch Marner Extends Point Streak, Reaches Franchise Milestone

Mitch Marner added two assists in the game to extend his impressive points streak to six games. With five goals and six assists in that span, Marner has solidified his role as an offensive catalyst, reaching 31 points in 23 games.

Marner has had success playing with John Tavares, even with Matthews in the lineup. His growing chemistry has benefited both players. His performance also put him among the best in Maple Leafs history, becoming the fourth player to record nine consecutive seasons of 30 or more points. There, he joins Dave Keon, Mats Sundin, and Brje Salming. On pace for his first 100-point campaign, could Marner be on pace for a career-best season?

Item 4: Chris Tanev Shines With 2-Point Night

Chris Tanev had a goal and an assist in Toronto's win, marking his first two-point performance since February 2024. Tanev's goal, a perfectly placed wrist shot from the circle, extended the team's lead to 2-0 early in the second period. .

Related: Where does Auston Matthews fit into Maple Leafs program when he returns?

While he's known primarily for his defensive reliability and shot-blocking ability—his 74 blocked shots rank second in the NHL—Tanev showed his offensive prowess in this matchup. With one goal and five assists in 23 games, Tanev has become an asset to the Blue & White. His rare showing probably doesn't show as many games as last night, but it was nice to get out once.

What's Next for Maple Leaves?

Nicholas Robertson ended a 12-game scoring streak with a key goal for the Maple Leafs. The youngster, known for his attacking prowess, unleashed a sharp, well-placed shot from the right, reminding fans of his goal-scoring abilities.

Robertson's difficulty making the most of his opportunities this season is a mystery. Will he be able to break out of his funk with a great goal? Can he put the heater on? With injuries still plaguing the Maple Leafs roster, his recent success could spark enthusiasm and secure his spot on the roster. He put up solid numbers last season despite limited ice time—typically around 11 minutes per game. If he can do the same again this season, it would greatly help the Maple Leafs' secondary scoring.