Leafs Get Boost from Depth Scoring in 5-2 Win Over Blackhawks

The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off the post-4 Nations Face-Off stretch with back-to-back wins, following up their victory over Carolina with a 5-2 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night.

The victory marked Toronto’s first regulation win in Chicago in over 20 years, dating back to February 12, 2003. It was a game defined by Toronto’s depth stepping up, with contributions from the third line and blue line providing a much-needed offensive spark.

While Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander were held off the scoresheet until Pontus Holmberg’s late empty-net goal, the line of Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Bobby McMann took control, giving Leafs management something to think about ahead of the trade deadline.

Third Line Steps Up in a Big Way

With the Leafs’ top line quieter than usual, the Domi-Robertson-McMann trio took charge, combining for two goals, two assists, and a dominant possession game.

Robertson broke a 10-game goalless drought by scoring twice, with Domi setting up both goals with precision passing. McMann played a key role in the first goal, battling along the boards before setting up Domi, who found Robertson for a power-play one-timer that tied the game at 1-1 in the second period.

The second Robertson tally came with 15 seconds left in the middle frame, as Domi blew past Seth Jones and threaded a perfect pass to a streaking Robertson in the slot.

“[Domi] is a really good passer, so you’ve just got to be ready to shoot,” Robertson said post-game.

The line didn’t have a perfect night—Chicago answered just eight seconds later—but their performance was enough to give Craig Berube something to consider moving forward.

“They’ve had some good stretches earlier in the season too, so it’s nice to see them back together and playing well,” said Joseph Woll, who made 24 saves in the victory.

Domi’s Play Could Impact Trade Deadline Plans

Domi, who has struggled to find the back of the net this season, came inches from scoring himself, ringing a shot off the crossbar late in the second period. He remains stuck on three goals for the year, but his recent uptick in play (seven assists in 12 games) could influence Brad Treliving’s trade deadline approach.

If Domi can continue to be an effective playmaker, Toronto may not need to make as big a move for additional forward depth. With Robertson chipping in offensively and McMann proving to be a strong power forward presence, this line is giving Toronto more options than expected.

At the same time, Robertson remains a potential trade chip. If the Leafs are in the market for a top-six upgrade, his two-goal night could serve as a timely reminder of his offensive upside to potential suitors.

Blue Line Finally Finds the Scoresheet

Toronto entered the game with just 13 goals from defensemen this season, the lowest total in the NHL.

That number increased by two Sunday night.

Jake McCabe gave the Leafs a 2-1 lead midway through the second period, and Chris Tanev added an insurance marker in the third, pushing Toronto’s lead to 4-2.

While defensive scoring hasn’t been a strong point for the Leafs this year, it was an encouraging sign to see the back end contribute offensively.

Closing Thoughts

With the win, the Maple Leafs reclaimed first place in the Atlantic Division, jumping ahead of the Florida Panthers.

Toronto remains on the road for three more games, with five contests remaining before the March 7 trade deadline. The roster could look different soon, but for now, the Leafs’ depth players are stepping up when it matters most.

Next up: a matchup against the struggling Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.

Go Leafs Go!