That’s the kind of return to Calgary that Brad Treliving could get behind. After a slow start, the Toronto Maple Leafs came to life in the second finding the scoresheet four times in the period and putting the game out of reach. The Leafs would add two more in the third to close out the game 6-3 against the Calgary Flames.
The Leafs’ offensive efforts were led early and often by Calgary’s favourite son, William Nylander. A beautiful one-timer to get the scoring started for the Leafs, then produced off the rush to put the game out of reach with the Leafs’ fourth goal, the eventual game-winner. Nylander completed his hometown hat trick with a breakaway empty netter. Nylander now sits at 33 goals for the season, putting him second in the Rocket Richard race behind Leon Draisaitl.
WILLIAM NYLANDER 🚨THE HOMETOWN BOY TIES IT!
— Omar (@tictactomar.bsky.social) 2025-02-05T03:18:44.408Z
Nylander looked hungry throughout the game. Along with Morgan Rielly, Nylander stepped up in the quarterbacking role on the power play, which is predominantly filled by Mitch Marner when he is in the lineup.
WILLIAM NYLANDER 🚨🚨Double dipping with another ripper
— Omar (@tictactomar.bsky.social) 2025-02-05T03:52:20.863Z
Nylander made the most of his homecoming and the same can be said of Bobby McMann, who has been a force in both games in Alberta. McMann gave the Leafs their go-ahead goal, finishing off a 2-on-1 with Steven Lorentz that received a nice little boost from former Leaf Tyson Barrie’s ridiculous pinch.
BOBBY MCMANN 🚨NEW CAREER HIGH! WHAT A SHOT!
— Omar (@tictactomar.bsky.social) 2025-02-05T03:41:19.414Z
The narrative might often be about Ontario players coming home and putting on a big performance at Scotiabank Arena, but it is nice to see the Albertans flip the table and leave the province undefeated.
The performances from Nylander and McMann also highlighted what the strength of the Maple Leafs offence should be and that is making their opponents pay when they take risks via odd man rushes, and overloading their opponents with the Leafs’ offensive talent with aggressive not overly cute plays when they have the odd man advantage.
While the Albertans stole the show, it’s worth celebrating Auston Matthews’ three assist night, and a great two point effort from Matthew Knies that saw him play a team high 23 minutes. His aggressive forechecking certainly earned him that time.
Toronto is now back to being one point behind Florida for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, with two games at hand. The Leafs continue their Pacific Division road trip on Thursday when they cross the border to play against the Seattle Kraken, before returning north to face the Canucks on Saturday night.