Knee Jerk Reaction: Max Domi, Matthew Knies lead Maple Leafs past Flames in 4-3 win

The Toronto Maple Leafs won their second straight game thanks to a game-winning goal from Max Domi in the final two minutes, and no one needed that anymore.

The Maple Leafs traded goals with the Flames throughout the match, starting with a 1-0 deficit and eventually leading 3-2 before the Flames tied the score at the end of the third period. Determined not to let it go to overtime, Domi took advantage of a gainer in the attacking zone and scored his second of two goals to take a 4-3 lead near the end of the frame.

Domi, who had not scored since the second game of the season and has yet to register an assist for the season, was in desperate need of some positive momentum to get his game going, and his performance on Tuesday night should help him immensely. Head coach Craig Berube noted this prior to the game.

Domi wasn’t the only one who had a strong night for the Maple Leafs. Matthew Knies scored two goals himself along with an assist on Domi’s game winner, catapulting him into a tie for second place on the team in scoring alongside John Tavares.

While this game had enough defensive mistakes that Berube won’t be entirely happy with the outcome, the Leafs outscored the Flames in this game and as such there will be plenty of positives to take from the game. The Leafs, like any other team at the start of the NHL season, have some issues that need to be resolved. We’re seeing similar trends with teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers, who have been anything but perfect to start the season, so it’s imperative to rack up as many points as possible in October, even if it isn’t the prettiest game every time. Especially for the Leafs, who have a full home schedule in the first month of the season.

The Leafs return to action on Wednesday night for the second half of a back-to-back when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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