In a 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals, the Maple Leafs played a patient, responsible game that gave their foes very little room to operate. That didn’t slow down Toronto’s attack, though. The Maple Leafs put 48 shots on net despite getting just one power-play opportunity.

While the offence was prolific, it was also simplified. Toronto got four of its five goals right around the net — and the other came on a point shot. Complicated passing plays were rare, dumping the puck deep was common and odd-man rushes weren’t easy to come by for the Capitals.

It was the type of performance that coach Sheldon Keefe undoubtedly appreciated in the wake of a loss that he “hated.”

3 Stars:

1. Mark Giordano
2. Tyler Bertuzzi
3. Auston Matthews

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