Three observations following the Maple Leafs’ Game 2 win over Boston

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Three observations from Game 2 between the Maple Leafs and the Bruins, won 3-2 by Toronto:

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BEAST MODE ACTIVATED

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A game-winning goal scored in spectacular fashion. The primary assist on each of the Maple Leafs’ first two goals.

The numbers added up for Auston Matthews, all right. The authoritative manner in which he played all over the ice was what was most impressive about his performance.

The best players take over games, no matter the significance. That’s what Matthews did in Game 2.

Not only did Matthews win 16 of his 23 faceoffs, he won 12 of 16 against Charle Coyle, who was his shadow for the night. 

The eight shots on goal and 12 attempts for Matthews are par for the course for the 26-year-old star.

During the regular season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound forward was seventh among Leafs forwards in hits, averaging just a shade over one a game. He was credited with six on Monday, another indication that his grasp on the intensity of playoff hockey is firm.

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NO MITCH MAGIC

The Leafs have to hope that Mitch Marner takes his game to another level with the series returning to Toronto.

That level exists. We know that because Marner didn’t come close to using his offensive skills in the first two games.

With just four shots on goal — two in each game — and no points, Marner’s impact wasn’t close to where it should have been.

Seemingly avoiding contact with Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy at one point on Monday didn’t sit well with some, though Marner isn’t here to make a physical dent.

Marner led the Leafs in playoff scoring with 14 points a year ago. We know he can change games on a shift or two. Is he at his best when playing with Matthews? Yes. But when he is not, should he still be expected to drive play? Yes.

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FOURTH IS STRONG

There’s nothing sexy about the work that the Leafs fourth line of Connor Dewar, David Kampf and Ryan Reaves does, but that doesn’t diminish the influence the trio is having.

“I like the line,” coach Sheldon Keefe said to media in Boston after the game. “The line has been really good. They have a clear identity.”

There is increasing trust in the trio on the part of Keefe. When William Nylander and Bobby McMann eventually return from injuries, two forwards will come out as long as there are no further injuries. Keefe is sounding like he would have no interest in deleting players on his fourth line, nor should he.

The line had more five-on-five time than the third line, centred by Pontus Holmberg. When the Leafs were facing the possibility of returning home down 2-0 in the series, that tells you about Keefe’s confidence in the Kampf group.

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