The Toronto Maple Leafs needed a spark, and William Nylander lit the fuse just 35 seconds into the game. A clean breakaway, a confident finish, and suddenly the Leafs were playing with a lead - a rarity during their recent six-game stumble.
It wasn’t just a fast start; it was a statement. And Nylander wasn’t done.
Back in the city where he was born, Nylander turned in a three-point night, adding two assists to that early goal. It was the kind of performance that didn’t just show up on the scoresheet - it set the tone. Toronto looked quicker, more composed, and, for the first time in a while, like a team that recognized its own identity.
Matias Maccelli and Troy Stecher added to the surge, and by the time the Maple Leafs built a 3-0 lead, they were in control of the game’s tempo. In net, Joseph Woll delivered exactly what they needed: calm, confident goaltending.
He stopped 28 shots and improved to 5-0-0 in his career against the Flames, flashing sharp reflexes and a few unorthodox saves to keep Calgary at bay. Bobby McMann sealed the win with an empty-netter, and just like that, Toronto had its second straight victory - a welcome change after that 0-5-1 stretch.
Calgary pushed back, with Nazem Kadri and Joel Farabee each recording a goal and an assist. But the Flames never quite seized control.
Toronto managed the game well, protected the lead, and walked away with two crucial points. They’re still seven points back of the Bruins for the final playoff spot, so the climb remains steep.
But with the Olympic break looming, this win keeps the door open - and the Leafs’ current eight-game win streak over the Flames, their longest active run against any team, doesn’t hurt morale either.
Nylander’s Moment - and Maybe More Than That
It’s easy to get caught up in the flash of Auston Matthews’ goals or the playmaking legacy of Mitch Marner, but nights like this keep nudging the conversation in a different direction. Is William Nylander becoming the guy for the Leafs when the pressure ramps up?
He opened the scoring in the first minute, added two more helpers, and played with a presence that demanded attention. That’s not just skill - that’s leadership through performance.
Nylander now has 13 goals and 23 assists in 26 career games against Calgary, and it’s not a coincidence. He seems to elevate when the team needs it most.
What’s changed? For one, his game looks settled.
The old narrative - that he was a high-talent player who didn’t always bring urgency - feels outdated. This version of Nylander plays with awareness.
He reads the moment, understands the stakes, and responds. If the Leafs are going to make a serious push at Boston’s playoff spot, they’ll need contributions across the board.
But Nylander’s ability to flip a game in transition might be the X-factor.
The trip wraps up in Edmonton, and that’s another test. If Nylander keeps showing up in these high-leverage spots, the conversation might shift again - from elite winger to emotional engine.
Stolarz Gets the Nod in Edmonton - and It’s a Big Ask
There’s no time to savor the Calgary win. The Leafs are back at it tonight in Edmonton, and this one’s a grind. With Woll carrying the load Monday, Anthony Stolarz gets the start in the second half of the back-to-back - and he’s stepping into a tough spot.
Edmonton’s offense is relentless, especially at home, and they’ve made a habit of overwhelming tired teams. For Toronto, this game is less about flash and more about discipline. Stay structured, stay smart, and don’t give the Oilers free looks.
Stolarz is still trying to find his footing after coming back from an upper-body injury. His two starts since returning haven’t gone to plan - 0-2-0 with nine goals allowed on 51 shots.
But to be fair, he hasn’t exactly had a clean runway in front of him. Defensive breakdowns, odd-man rushes, and missed assignments have made life difficult.
The Leafs are hoping for a more settled effort in front of their goalie. Edmonton doesn’t need much to capitalize.
If Toronto can manage the pace, protect the slot, and limit the chaos, this game could carry more weight than the standings suggest. Two wins have already shifted the energy.
A strong finish in Edmonton would send them into the Olympic break with belief.
Rielly Out Through Break - and the Leafs Patch Things Up Again
Toronto will be without Morgan Rielly through the Olympic break after he aggravated a lingering injury in Vancouver. That’s a big hole.
Rielly is the team’s top-minute eater and their most reliable puck-mover. Losing him now - with every point mattering - is a blow.
Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the injury but said Rielly still needs further evaluation. For now, it’s back to patchwork.
The Leafs are leaning on depth, mixing pairings, and trying to hold the blue line together with duct tape and determination. It’s not unfamiliar territory - they’ve been here before - but the timing isn’t ideal.
The silver lining is the break itself. Rielly gets more than three weeks to recover, and there’s hope he’ll be ready when play resumes.
But that’s just hope. With Toronto chasing a playoff spot and little room for error, Rielly’s status looms large.
The next few weeks will shape whether the Leafs come out of the break refreshed or still searching for answers on the back end.
What’s Next?
It’s all eyes on Edmonton. One more game, one more test, and then a much-needed pause.
The Leafs have steadied themselves with back-to-back wins, and Nylander looks like a player stepping into a larger role. But the road doesn’t get easier.
The blue line is banged up, the schedule’s been unforgiving, and the playoff picture is still cloudy.
The Olympic break couldn’t come at a better time. Not just for Toronto, but for a league full of teams managing injuries and chasing consistency.
It’s been that kind of NHL season - unpredictable, chaotic, and wide open. The Leafs are still in the mix.
And if they can close this trip with another strong showing, they’ll head into the break with something they haven’t had in a while: momentum.