The first line celebrates (Rob Carr, Getty Images)
The Leafs showed resolve in a tight 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Monday night. They were fueled by an excellent performance by their captain, John Tavares, in the third period.
Here are my 5 takeaways from the late recovery at Capital One Arena.
1. Justin Holl Unleashed
I get it. It sounds weird to say. But even I, Justin Holl's most vocal critic, cannot deny that the was the best player on the ice in yesterday's game. Not just the best defenseman. Not just the best Leaf. He was the best player for the entire hockey game.
As unfair as it is to Jake Muzzin, the head injury to Muzzin seems to have unlocked another gear in Holl. He is playing with a more daring style, joining the rush more often. He is breaking up play much more consistently. Holl is creating zone exits with ease, something he was really struggling with all season. He scored the third goal with an aggressive play in front of the net and he set up Rasmus Sandin's winner with a beautiful cross-ice pass to the Swede.
This isn't just a fluke either. Holl is a +10 in his last 5 games. He now has two successive 20-minute efforts to his name.
Why is it that Holl has found his form? Personally, I think TJ Brodie is doing wonders for his new D partner. Brodie has had a couple of great games as well alongside Holl. He is showcasing his understanding of the game and finding himself in the correct positions more often than not. Brodie's awareness allows Holl to get away with some of the mistakes that have been creeping into his game.
It seems obvious that the best version of the Leafs has Morgan Rielly and TJ Brodie on the top line, but if Holl continues like this, he could make it a real conversation in the front office.
2. Power Play Struggles Becoming a Concern
Toronto's power play, which has been downright legendary all season, is in the midst of a very concerning slump. In their past 6 games, the Leafs are 0-for-13 with the man advantage. This is hurting the Leafs' offense in a big way. Outside of Michael Bunting (who is 11th in the NHL in even-strength points ahead of players like Connor McDavid, Mikko Rantanen and Steven Stamkos), most of Toronto's players rely on the power play to create offense.
John Tavares and William Nylander especially often struggle to get points at the same rate at even strength as they do at 5-on-4. Not only are the Leafs not managing to score goals on the PP, the whole unit looks dysfunctional. They are not managing to find open players and the shots simply aren't flying like they used to.
Something needs to change, as this team isn't very consistent on offense at even strength. I personally feel that this will all correct itself eventually. Let's wait and see, though.
3. Johnny T's Drought Continues
It's now been 12 consecutive games without a goal for the captain. However, one cannot blame a lack of effort for this slump.
Tavares was very good last night, notably putting in one of the best shifts I've witnessed all season. Late in the third period, with the game tied at 3, the captain put in a physical, emotional and skillful performance that ultimately culminated with an assist on Rasmus Sandin's winner. He worked his heart out, bringing intensity to a team that was suddenly lacking despite coming out of the gates on fire.
The captain did everything, but score. He looks ready for a huge breakout. If Johnny T can get his mojo back and the Leafs can sort out their goaltending, there is a real possibility they make a run for the Atlantic Division crown, particularly now that Florida has experienced a few stumbles.
4. Mrazek Putting Forth Solid Audition
The numbers haven't been anything special for Petr Mrazek all season, but there is no doubt that he is picking up results. Mrazek has won 7 of his last 9 games and he looks like the better of the Leafs two goalies currently. Will Sheldon Keefe finally give the Czech back-to-back starts against Buffalo for the first time in his Leafs career? I'm beginning to think he should.
Jack Campbell has been awful in 2022, with a 3.20 GAA and a .893 SV% since the calendar shifted to the New Year. Mrazek's been fine in a Toronto uniform, but he really has a great opportunity to seize the starting job from a struggling "Soupy". He needs to get to his very best if he wants to prove to Kyle Dubas that he is the solution in goal.
Mrazek plays a very risky game, allowing lots of rebounds and making many frantic movements. If he can settle down and steal the job, the Leafs will not need to do something drastic at the trade deadline.
5. Wheels Falling Apart in DC
Here's a stat for you: the Washington Capitals, the 2018 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, have not won a game in regulation in 2022. We're two months into the New Year and a team containing stars like Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom hasn't won a game in regulation.
Ovi and Kuzy were both -4 on the night. It was a third consecutive loss for the Caps, who are now 3-8-1 since January 1.
Both Columbus and Detroit both are far off taking that wild-card spot from Washington, but the Capitals are starting to look like an easy first-round opponent in the first round.
ALL STATS COURTESY OF MONEYPUCK AND NATURAL STAT TRICK
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