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John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Marner, Tavares, Knies & Stolarz

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 12:15 PM ET

On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched their playoff berth with a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. It was a tight, low-event event. Both teams engaged in a battle of defensive hockey in limited space.

Despite the pressure, key players like Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Anthony Stolarz stepped up to deliver the win. If ever a Maple Leafs fan needed an example of the team’s ability to win playoff-type games, last night was it. That still has to translate to the postseason; however, it’s a mighty good sign for the team.

Item 1: Mitch Marner’s Scores Game-Winning Goal

Marner played a critical role in the win, breaking a 1-1 tie at 10:50 of the third period with a game-winning goal. After Matthews gobbled up a rebound, he passed to Marner at the right face-off dot. Marner blasted a one-timer past Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky to give the Maple Leafs a 2-1 lead. Marner also assisted Knies’ breakaway goal, further contributing to the win.

Marner’s two-point game pushed his point streak to six games, with three goals and seven assists over that stretch. His approach to this performance reflected the nature of the game: “We just stuck with it. I don’t know what the scoring chances were, but it seemed like a low-event game, not a lot of space out there, and grinded away.” Marner remains a key player in the Maple Leafs’ success, now with 93 points in the season, matching his career-high with 69 assists.

Item 2: John Tavares Extends Scoring Streak

Tavares also added to the win, scoring the tying goal in the second period. At 11:31, Tavares redirected a perfect feed from William Nylander into the net, bringing his goal total to nine in his last seven games. Tavares has been on a scoring tear lately. He now has 36 goals and 70 points for the season. Perhaps it’s his veteran experience, but he continues to have a level-headed approach to his play and remains focused only on the team’s success.

Tavares downplayed his achievement: “It always feels good to contribute, score, put the puck in the net, but I don’t try to get too down or get too high.” His leadership and steady play have been critical to the Maple Leafs’ push toward the playoffs.

Item 3: Matthew Knies Takes Advantage of the Great Marner Helper

Matthew Knies also had a standout game. The 22-year-old winger scored in the third period, taking a terrific stretch pass from Marner and then deking past Bobrovsky. Knies’ shot hit the goalpost before deflecting off Bobrovsky’s skate and into the net. The goal ended a five-game goal drought and was the game-winner.

Knies has been a reliable contributor on the Maple Leafs’ top line, and his two-point game extended his strong play recently, with six points in his last five contests. However, although he has 26 goals on the season, last night’s goal was only his second since March 3. Still, with 51 points this season, Knies continues demonstrating his importance as a power forward for the team. His ability to rise to the challenge in key moments shows his value as the Maple Leafs prepare for the postseason.

Item 4: Anthony Stolarz Beats Former Team

Anthony Stolarz filled the net for the Maple Leafs. He made key saves to stop 29 of 31 shots, including a critical left-toe save on A.J. Greer‘s chance across the crease, keeping the game tied at 1-1. This was Stolarz’s fourth straight win, and his play has been stellar. He’s given up just eight goals on 116 shots during his streak.

Stolarz set a career-high with 30 games played this season, with a 17-8-3 record, a 2.34 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. His solid play and Joseph Woll’s contributions have been crucial as the Maple Leafs share goaltending duties down the stretch.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

With the win, the Maple Leafs lifted their lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning by three points at the top of the Atlantic Division, while the Panthers remain four points behind. Toronto has secured a playoff spot, but its work isn’t done. As they head into the final stretch of the regular season, the focus will be on maintaining this high level of play and continuing to build confidence heading into the postseason.

Toronto’s depth has been apparent. Players like Marner, Matthews, Tavares, Knies, and Stolarz are stepping up. As the road ahead grows tougher, the Maple Leafs’ star players and strong team players are facing challenges in the race for playoff positioning. The postseason is in sight, and the Maple Leafs appear ready to deliver. Last night’s game showed their ability to win the kind of games they’ll face in the postseason. It was a solid effort.