3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-2 win over New Jersey Devils 

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at New Jersey Devils - Source: Imagn
3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-2 win over New Jersey Devils (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Toronto Maple Leafs won their first game of the season, beating the New Jersey Devils 4-2 at Prudential Center on Thursday.

The Maple Leafs got scoring from their bottom six as Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann and Steven Lorentz scored in the first period. For Pacioretty, it was his first tally as a Maple Leaf. John Tavares added another in the second.

The Devils got goals from Jesper Bratt on the power play and Timo Meier, whose goal came late in the second period, but the Devils were unable to close the gap.

Here’s a closer look at three major takeaways from Toronto's 4-2 over New Jersey.

3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-2 win over New Jersey Devils

#3. The Leafs played a full 60 minutes

Toronto played a full 60 minutes against the Devils. Contrary to past habits, the Leafs locked down the game in the third period. The Leafs were able to shut down the Devils’ offense, including two penalty kills in the third.

Overall, the Leafs showed a much better approach under new coach Craig Berube. They played a structured game, foregoing many of the errant passes and pointless plays characteristic of the Leafs’ approach under former coach Sheldon Keefe.

#2. Dennis Hildeby was solid

Dennis Hildeby came up from the AHL Toronto Marlies to fill in for the injured Joseph Woll. Hildeby drew the start after Anthony Stolarz played on Wednesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

So, Berube went with Hildeby, allowing him to make his NHL debut, and Hildeby did not disappoint. He held the fort, making 22 saves. Most importantly, he did not look out of place as he hardly seemed like a rookie making his first NHL appearance.

Hildeby's efforts earned him the game's second star, making his NHL debut a highly successful one.

#1. The depth players stepped up

For the second night in a row, the Leafs’ big guns went silent. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander all failed to get on the scoresheet.

But that was no problem as the bottom six stepped up. In particular, Max Pacioretty, who joined the Leafs on a PTO, scored his first of the season. Also, the fourth line got into the action with Steven Lorentz and Bobby McMann finding the back of the net as well.

It’s worth pointing out that the Toronto Maple Leafs played back-to-back games after losing to the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in their season opener. So, having a strong performance from the bottom six two nights in a row is a good sign moving forward. They will need their depth players to step up in support of their big stars.

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Edited by Veer Badani
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