Finally, good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did they win 7-2 in Pittsburgh, but they finally played like a team with a clear identity. In a back-to-back, with travel and fatigue, Toronto dominated in the two areas that usually define big nights. Emotional control of the game and execution in key moments. The difference was in how head coach Craig Berube managed his stars and, of course, how the bottom of the lineup pushed discreetly but efficiently. The role of Auston Matthews was key. Berube clearly reduced his penalty-kill presence, but asked him to be more present in five-on-five and power-play situations, which worked perfectly. He was fresher, and it was noticed mainly in his aggressiveness, in the confidence to unleash the slap shot and in the reading of timing within the opponent’s zone. Also, no forward — except for Matthew Knies — exceeded 20 minutes of ice time, and it worked well. Bobby McMann, Nic Roy, Nick Robertson and Dakota Joshua contributed timely goals that sustained momentum
