3 takeaways from Leafs-Oilers: Stolarz’s best start since opening night, Maccelli, McMann with showcases

Anthony Stolarz made his best start since opening night, recording 34 stops in the winning effort. Matias Maccelli scored twice, while Matthew Knies, John Tavares and Bobby McMann all added singles in the winning effort.

Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 win over the Oilers:

Anthony Stolarz’s best start since opening night

Anthony Stolarz picked up his first win since Nov. 5 and was arguably the Leafs’ best player on Tuesday. Stolarz made nine dangerous saves while saving .86 goals above expectations via Natural Stat Trick. He moved well, was confident in his crease and kept the high-octane Oilers offense in check throughout the game.

Stolarz made an excellent save from Leon Draisaitl’s dangerous chance in the opening minute of the match and never looked back. In the third period the match ended with another stop on last year’s Rocket Richard winner. He made a series of excellent saves from Jack Roslovic and completely frustrated Andrew Mangiapane. Mangiapane ended up snowing Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson was having none of it and took down the Oilers forward.

It didn’t stop there, as Stolarz made an excellent save on Connor McDavid midway through the second period. When the Maple Leafs finally regained the lead in the third period, thanks to power-play goals from John Tavares and Matias Maccelli, Stolarz closed the door in the waning minutes, fending off a brave Oilers team that outscored the Maple Leafs 36-27.

Stolarz received the team belt, awarded to the Leafs’ best or most impactful player in a winning effort. It is certainly well deserved.

Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann deliver great showcase games

Maccelli made an active effort to get into shooting lanes all night, and this continued into a power play in the third period. As Max Domi surveyed the ice, Maccelli crashed from the top of the faceoff circle and sent home a one-timer for the insurance goal. It was a big night for Maccelli and his linemates, where he earned a 62 percent share of expected goals at 5-on-5.

As for McMann, his elite speed was on display throughout the game. McMann ensured Domi had a first-class opportunity on the opening shift of the game, and was fully involved all night. McMann then took down the Oilers for a breakaway in the second period, but was denied by Connor Ingram. He was on his offense all game long, and you could say he was the best player on Toronto’s top line, along with Domi and Auston Matthews. McMann punctuated a strong game with an empty-net goal, and perhaps it’s understandable why the Leafs are reportedly looking for a first-round pick or two second-round picks in exchange for the 29-year-old.

Jake McCabe wins his match against Connor McDavid

Jake McCabe was given perhaps the most impossible assignment in the NHL and emerged victorious, tasked with eliminating Connor McDavid. McCabe led all Maple Leafs in ice time, playing 25:16 on the second night of a back-to-back road. McCabe responded with one of his best games of the season, generating the first assist on Maccelli’s opening mark.

McCabe finished the game with a team-best 62.8 percent expected goals share at 5-on-5. His play isn’t flashy and there have been lulls throughout the year, which can be said for the Maple Leafs defensive corps in general. Going into the Olympic break, McCabe delivered a standout performance against the best player in the world.