3 tips from Leafs-Panthers: Joshua-Roy-McMann on fire, Stecher rewarded for excellent start

Joseph Woll was excellent when called upon, making 26 of 27 saves.

Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 win over the Panthers:

Troy Stecher rewarded for excellent start with the Maple Leafs

Troy Stecher joined the Maple Leafs with an admitted chip on his shoulder after being cleared from waivers by the Oilers. Stecher was excellent during his time at the club and was eventually rewarded with a crucial goal to start the match.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Stecher had a plus-two goal differential at 5-on-5, while the Maple Leafs controlled 62.5 percent of expected goals and 54 percent of shot attempts via Natural Stat Trick. Considering his increased use and a spate of injuries, these are excellent numbers, which also correspond with the eye test. Stecher’s mobility and penchant for smart, quick exits gave the team another wrinkle on the blue line, and it certainly paid off after his three-week tenure with the Maple Leafs.

“It’s great. I don’t do it often, so it feels nice when you get one,” Stecher said of his goal after the match. “I told (Easton) Cowan and (Nick) Robertson that I was going to get one tonight, and I did. I promise I say that to myself every game. It’s nice to contribute. It was a big goal at the time, it gave us an edge and we’ve never looked back.”

It was an excellent game from Stecher and he is quickly proving to be one of Brad Treliving’s best additions yet.

Dakota Joshua, Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy should be the regular third line

It took 26 games, but the Maple Leafs have found their permanent third line. Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy and Bobby McMann have been on fire over the past two games and don’t appear to be looking back anytime soon.

We’ve discussed Joshua’s purpose a few times in this space, but it’s worth revisiting. Joshua plays with real confidence in the attacking zone, making smart plays in tight spaces near the net and using his frame to run over opponents.

Joshua also earned a crucial third-period penalty on Evan Rodrigues, allowing the Maple Leafs to eat the clock with a 3-1 lead. He’s had his two best games of the year since going on the healthy list, and now the team has found a real, working third line.

Nicolas Roy was a threat in the face-off circle, winning 12 of 15 draws on the night. Roy heavily promoted Stecher’s goal and many believed he tipped the puck, although he refuted this during a first halftime interview.

Roy nearly scored a beautiful short-handed goal while working 2-on-1 with Auston Matthews in the third period. Sergei Bobrovsky made a stop at the highlight to rob Roy, but this did not deter the Leafs center. He continued to win faceoffs, generate shots in front of his line and it was a great game.

As for McMann, his speed, physicality (three goals) and offensive acumen were on full display. McMann’s biggest problem is his consistency, which can also be said for his linemates. Joshua-Roy-McMann defeated the Panthers 6-5, which seems more flattering to their opponent than it should. Toronto has found its third line after a series of excellent games on the road.

The power play experiment with five forwards should be over

The power play experiment with five forwards is officially over. Toronto allowed a shorthanded goal to Sam Reinhart, a comedy of defensive errors. We’re not going to point out every flaw in the piece, the video speaks for itself, and it was perhaps the only real blemish on the evening.

We don’t blame the original idea, as the Maple Leafs’ power play has been completely inactive this season, shooting at 15.2 percent, the 27th best total in the NHL. With a critical man advantage with 3:08 left in the third period, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson joined the first power play unit. It is likely that Ekman-Larsson will be the new power play quarterback entering Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.