Leafs' Third Period Surge After Matthews Hit

The latest scores, headlines, and storylines, right here on NHL News today.

Subscribe and stay game ready. The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up a 6-4 win over the

Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, but the game exposed the big issue with their team. Culture.

Late in the second period, Ducks' defenseman, Radco Goudus, delivered a knee-on knee hit to

Leafs Captain Austin Matthews, who went down in pain and left. The game. Goudus got a major

penalty and misconduct, but none of Matthews' teammates went after him right away. That lack of

immediate response drew heavy criticism, especially since the Leafs have faced questions about

toughness for years. A reminded fans of past moments where teams did buy while Stars got hurt.

The players didn't push back until early in the third period, after another incident involving

a cross-check on one of their own. Least players owned up to it after the game. Defenseman Morgan

Riley said he should have been first to react, and forward William Nylander agreed they needed to

step up quicker for there. Captain. Coach Craig Baroube gave them some credit for finally showing

fire, noting the team talked it out during the intermission. In the third, the Leafs turned

physical with big hits from guys like Matthew Knees and Morgan Realey and even Rookie Easton Cowan

dropped the gloves. Strong special teams play, including powerplay goals, helped them pull ahead

for their first win, since the Olympic break ended. Baroube, who won a Stanley Cup with a

Gritty St. Louis team, stressed that passion like that third period needs to be the norm.

With no play-offs in sight, the Leafs might actually benefit from a high draft pick this year,

which could go to Boston otherwise. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode.

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