Some evil tongues will say that the Toronto Maple Leafs are not waiving defenseman Morgan Rielly, but other observers may believe that the suspension imposed on the veteran has had a domino effect on the squad.
Rielly was sidelined for five games by the National League's player safety department and has seen his teammates win their four games since the sanction began. He therefore only has to miss one duel, namely on Wednesday against the Arizona Coyotes. If his team continues its success, he will return the next day against the Vegas Golden Knights when the team literally has the wind at his back.
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His defensive teammates also make no secret of it: They're motivated to win, especially given the punishment associated with Rielly's tackle on the Ottawa Senators' Ridly Greig. They're on a mission of sorts, ready to climb to the top of the Atlantic Division.
“Every game is a battle and we have to fight for a place in the playoffs. We answered the call and I think Mo lit the fire in that club. We fight for Mo,” forward William Nylander told Sportsnet after Monday’s 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues.
“He has defended the respect our team deserves and I think we are playing solid now,” added Matthew Knies. He is a valuable asset and we look forward to seeing him again soon. However, we offer very good hockey. It gave us momentum.”
That motivation will soon be even greater in the Maple Leafs' camp, as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman indicated Tuesday that he supports the decision by the Department of Player Safety to uphold the five-game suspension.
Matthews' goals
However, the Leafs' success continues to depend on the performance of Auston Matthews, who shows no sign of slowing down. With a goal in his hometown of Arizona, the American could reach the 50-goal mark. The two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner stalled at 40 in 2022-2023 and is on track to surpass his harvest of 60 presented two years ago.
No. 34 has scored seven goals in his last three games, including hat tricks on Thursday and Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.
Toronto ranks third in its category with 68 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning (65) and the Detroit Red Wings (64), defending champions of the two teams drafted in the Eastern Conference, are not far behind.