LEAFS TAKEAWAYS: Marner having enjoyable once more, Pacioretty damage

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The Maple Leafs have gained three in a row, with out Auston Matthews, however with quite a lot of contributions up and down the lineup. 

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Our takeaways from the Leafs’ 4-1 residence win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, finishing a weekend sweep: 

IT’S MITCHCRAFT 

When Mitch Marner is scoring shorthanded, taking part in keepaway at 5-on-5, attempting to go excessive pucks soccer-style, kibitzing with the media and singing within the dressing room, you realize he’s feeling it once more. 

From the second he comes firing out of the tunnel, leaping as much as chest-thump huge Ryan Reaves, it’s a far cry from his lengthy summer time questioning the place his contract scenario will land and the way he would get on with new coach Craig Berube.  

“I simply don’t assume we’re taking pictures ourselves within the foot,” Marner mentioned of the vibe within the Leafs fashion nowadays. “We’re staying above groups who’ve some critical firepower up entrance. We’ve finished a superb job placing pucks in good areas.” 

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Defenceman Conor Timmins can see that spirit in talent gamers akin to Marner, William Nylander and Matthew Knies. 

“That’s only a issue of the staff profitable,” he mentioned. “Once we’re taking part in the proper method, we all know we’re going to get the outcomes ultimately. Everyone seems to be dialing in on the main points and it’s displaying.” 

Marner mixed with David Kampf for the 3-0 back-breaker shorty, Toronto’s first of the yr, exchanging passes across the bamboozled Habs. 

“It’s humorous with these power-play guys who’re expert, know what (the opposition) energy performs are going to do quite a lot of instances,” had coach Craig Berube mentioned. “Mitch anticipates nicely and has an amazing stick and is in place on a regular basis.” 

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PATCH-WORK LINEUP 

The sport wasn’t a interval previous when Pacioretty clutched the again of his leg in nice ache and hobbled to the bench, needing help to get to the dressing room.  

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At the very least the damage appeared unrelated to the Achilles’ tendon subject that had dogged the 35-year-old’s profession the previous couple of years till his comeback with the Leafs. Captain John Tavares hinted some optimism after talking with Pacioretty post-game, however Berube drew the curtain, unwilling to transcend the generic ‘decrease physique’ description and saying he’ll be evaluated subsequent week. 

A couple of causes for folks to not get their hockey socks in a knot about this: The Leafs have already gained three video games this week with out Matthews (38-19-2 total) and Bobby McMann is a greater than a succesful fill-in as he was Saturday with Tavares and William Nylander.  

Matthews could possibly be prepared to come back off IR by Tuesday’s recreation towards Ottawa and ahead Connor Dewar is prepared for his first recreation after months rehabbing a shoulder damage. 

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A TIMMINS RUN 

Timmins being requested post-game: ‘What did you see in your purpose?’ was the primary time he’s heard that since earlier than Christmas of final yr. He pale from significance as final season went on and positively needed to work to impress the brand new coach this season with Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phillipe Myers and Jani Hakanpaa introduced in to enhance the blueline. 

However Timmins has bought his job again for now, the staff selecting to commerce Timothy Liljegren late final month. At one time identified extra for his offence, Timmins is impressing Berube together with his all-around recreation. 

“It’s been some time since I’ve performed an on a regular basis position and I’m actually having fun with it, taking part in within the second,” he mentioned. “I’m taking the play when it’s there, not forcing issues and I’ve taken a step in my defending.” 

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Berube likes that final level. 

“He’s been extremely aggressive and that’s key, profitable battles and breaking pucks out underneath strain,” he mentioned. “He sees the ice very well on breakouts, hits the center of the ice fairly a bit. Tonight, he used his shot and scored.” 

THE POWER HOUR 

From in search of power-play crumbs, the Leafs are 8-for-15 the previous 4 video games. with the person benefit. Nylander had a jaw-dropping purpose ,the place no Habs defender tried to get in his method from his personal finish till he arrange in taking pictures place in entrance of  Samuel Montembeault. We’ll assume that assistant coach Marc Savard is sleeping lots sounder nowadays. 

“Up and down, it’s what it’s,” shrugged Nylander, who was amongst these preaching persistence when the unit faltered and he was briefly taken off the No. 1 group. 

Tavares can sense the arrogance returning. 

“It clearly wasn’t going nicely and on the finish of the day, outcomes matter most,” he mentioned. “However there have been quite a lot of issues we may see beneath that, good developments. It’s an extended yr. You need to stick with it whenever you have a look at the success we’ve had through the years.” 

Lhornby@postmedia.com 

X: @sunhornby 

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