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Auston Matthews and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Rielly, Holmberg, Nylander, Woll & Tavares

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 12:45 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs scored a statement 4–1 win on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night, moving one step closer to clinching the Atlantic Division title and reaching the 50-win mark for the season. Toronto improved to 50-24-6 (104 points) on the year, extending its winning streak to three games and winning seven of its last eight games. The victory also marked its 24th road win, just one shy of tying the franchise record.

Item One: The Game Flow, Dull but Effective

Toronto’s win wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient. The opening period saw the Maple Leafs stumble out of the gate, managing just one shot on goal through the first 18 and a half minutes. The pace was sluggish and the energy lacking — until a late hustle play changed the tone. Pontus Holmberg capitalized on a rebound with just 17 seconds left, scoring his sixth of the season and giving the Maple Leafs a 1–0 lead despite an otherwise uninspired start. It was one of the few energized moments in a dull first period, but it shifted momentum at the perfect time.

The second period continued the theme of efficiency. Though the Maple Leafs were heavily outshot — 20–6 at one point — they made the most of their limited chances. Auston Matthews buried a beautiful give-and-go with Morgan Rielly for his 31st goal of the season and 399th of his NHL career. Later, William Nylander snapped a brief scoring drought with his team-leading 45th goal, giving the Maple Leafs a 3–0 lead heading into the third.

Carolina broke the shutout with a power-play goal in the final period, but John Tavares quickly answered, restoring the three-goal cushion and effectively closing the door. Backed by a tight defensive structure, the Maple Leafs limited the Hurricanes to just two shots in the second and kept them to the outside all night — an efficient, if unexciting, formula for victory.

Item Two: A Quick Review of Maple Leafs Game Stars

Several standout performances powered the Maple Leafs to their win, starting with Joseph Woll in net. Calm and composed all game, Woll turned aside 25 shots, including a handful of crucial early saves when the Maple Leafs were heavily outshot. His steady presence gave the team the foundation it needed, and with the playoffs approaching, his confident play couldn’t have come at a better time.

On the back end, Rielly delivered a strong offensive game, putting up three assists, including the primary helper on Matthews’ goal and a key setup on Holmberg’s opener. Rielly was decisive in transition and sharp in his decision-making, looking very much in form with eight points over his last six games. Matthews continued his pursuit of 400 career goals while playing a responsible, two-way game.

Pontus Holmberg, Toronto Maple Leafs (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Depth contributions were just as significant. Holmberg jump-started the Maple Leafs with his late first-period goal. The goal resulted from gritty forechecking and net-front effort. As noted, it was the perfect game-changer the Maple Leafs needed and came precisely at the right time. Tavares chipped in with a rebound goal in the third, his 38th this season, while anchoring an effective second line. From top to bottom, it was a night where efficient individual efforts added up to a complete team win.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The playoff picture is coming into focus with what might be called an ugly win, which perhaps at this time of the season has its beauty. Some games dazzle — and some games matter. Last night was firmly in the latter category.

The Maple Leafs didn’t dominate possession, didn’t dictate the pace, and certainly didn’t put on a show. But they did what playoff-ready teams do: they stayed composed, leaned on their structure, and capitalized when it counted. It wasn’t pretty, but it was efficient, which might be the most encouraging game takeaway.

With two games left and just one point needed, the Maple Leafs are on the brink of clinching their first Atlantic Division title since 2021. Sunday’s win in Carolina provided some much-needed breathing room, which could open the door to resting key players before the postseason. More importantly, how they won — structured, opportunistic, and defensively sound — is the game they’ll need to make redundant when the playoffs start. It wasn’t flashy, but it looked like playoff hockey.

On Tuesday in Buffalo, the Maple Leafs can tie the franchise record for road wins and potentially clinch the division against the Sabres. They then play at home on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings in the team’s season finale. Depending on Tuesday’s outcome, this could be a chance to rotate the lineup and prep for Round 1.