Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs 4-0 Win Over Stars

Two solid teams met up, and the visitor won the game. The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Dallas Stars last night by a score of 4-0. It was Matt Murray’s first shutout as a Maple Leafs’ player. He was simply outstanding.

However, he was not alone in playing a solid game. The Stars had tons of offense, but could not score on Murray. The Maple Leafs had some great chances as well, and they did score.

This was a game where the Maple Leafs’ defense won the game – and that includes the team’s last line of defense – the goalie. It seemed as if, during the second period, the team was playing on the penalty kill for the entire period.

The team worked its collective butts off and simply would not be beaten. If this team can play this way in the postseason, who can stop them? Good goalie play, timely scoring, solid defense, and a work ethic that would make the Protestants proud.

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Marner, Timmins, SDA & Brodie

Takeaway One: Matt Murray Was Perfect

Matt Murray was simply perfect in his first shutout win in the Blue and White uniform. He stopped all 44 shots on his net, some spectacular, and earned his 15th career shutout. Murray made impressive saves all night long, but he was especially strong during a five-on-three Stars power play that started with just under two minutes left in the second period.

But he had help. It really was a team effort. Mitch Marner, who had broken his stick, hung in there and blocked a couple of shots with his body.

There was about a half-a-minute left to kill during the first part of the third period. However, I can only imagine how pumped the team was to head into the locker room at the end of the second. There had to be a ton of back-slapping and encouragement all the way around.

Matt Murray recorded 44 saves en route to his first shutout with the @MapleLeafs. Two Toronto goalies recorded more saves in a shutout (since 1955-56): James Reimer (49 on Feb. 4, 2012) & Mike Palmateer (47 on March 12, 1977).#NHLStats: https://t.co/RMGNFd7KrU pic.twitter.com/NpqzYuBGGb

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 7, 2022

This Maple Leafs team was feeding off each other.

In their last game, the Stars offense overcame a four-goal deficit in the third period against the Minnesota Wild to carry the game into overtime. They could have mounted a comeback. It’s an offensive group. But, there was no comeback last night. Murray made sure of it.

Since he’s returned from his injury, Murray has put together a record of 6-0-2 in eight games. He’s now improved his season’s record to 6-1-2 with a goals-against-average of 2.34 and a save percentage of .932 in his nine starts.

Related: Maple Leafs Line Combinations for Stars Tonight: SDA & Timmins

Takeaway Two: Mitch Marner Hits 20 Games

It didn’t take Mitch Marner long into the game to extend his point-scoring-streak to 20 games. His shot on the goalie during the first period created a rebound that John Tavares blasted into the net for the game’s first goal. That drama was over quickly.

20. STRAIGHT. GAMES. 🤯

Mitch Marner (@Marner93) becomes the fourth active player to record a point streak of at least 20 games! #NHLStats: https://t.co/WnaOb4eA7c

🇺🇸: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/i243F9Avp7
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/xMxy7BbFHt #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/0FxjnfxMok

— NHL (@NHL) December 7, 2022

During Marner’s streak that began on October 27, he’s scored nine goals and added 18 assists (for 27 points). He now has scored 10 goals and 22 assists (for 32 points) in 27 games this season.

But perhaps more amazing is how strong he is defensively. Marner’s a leader of the pack in that department as well. He’s a model for hard work!

Related: MAPLE LEAFS JUSTIN HOLL: MINUTE-MUNCHING VALUE CONTRACT WITH AN A-GAME

Takeaway Three: Rasmus Sandin & Timothy Liljegren – WOW!

This season wasn’t supposed to turn out this way for either Rasmus Sandin or Timothy Liljegren. And, Sandin’s hold out because he wanted more minutes and a bigger role on the team seems silly now given what’s happened.

Here’s guessing that the organization wanted to give both Sandin and Liljegren more sheltered minutes this season. Ha! There was no shelter last night for either of the two young defensemen. No need at all. Both Sandin and Liljegren played with confidence – especially under pressure. They were solid and successful!

After the game, their head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke about them together and about how both stepped up during this recent stretch where the team had a decimated defense.

Keefe noted: “You learn a lot about their character. The team needs them to step up in a big way. They have done exactly that. Those guys played hard today. They played a lot of minutes tired, too. … A lot is falling on those two guys.”

Coach Keefe added: “We have come to expect Gio and Holl to do a really good job for us, but those two (Sandin and Liljegren) really stepped up for us today. They played hard … moved the puck well … were physical and competitive. They were doing a lot of it on half a tank or at the bottom of their tank. Impressive.”

Well said, coach Keefe. That’s what I saw as well.

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