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TSN Toronto Maple Leafs Reporter

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Overcoming a sluggish start in a tough road building, the Toronto Maple Leafs got back in the win column on Saturday with a 4-1 victory against the Boston Bruins. Forced to play with five defenders after Martin Marincin went down with an injury early in the first period, the Maple Leafs never fell behind and halted their three-game losing skid.

Takeaways

Tale of two teams: The Maple Leafs talked about needing a hot start, but they came out with no energy or urgency against the Bruins. Toronto managed only one shot on goal through the first 18:02 and spent three quarters of the period without the puck. Frederik Andersen is the only reason they survived with no goals-against. But the Maple Leafs managed to dominate the second and third frames by pressuring better in the offensive zone, cycling the puck with more success and capitalizing on the Bruins’ breakdowns.

Big Willy style: Mike Babcock has had William Nylander all over the place lately - first centering the fourth line, and then flanking Nazem Kadri or Auston Matthews. On Saturday, Babcock started Nylander with Kadri for the first time in four games, but soon had him alongside Matthews again. Nylander looked unapologetically happy to be back where he started the season. He was the catalyst for each of Toronto’s first two goals and competed as hard as he has all season. Finishing with one assist, it was a statement performance by the rookie.

Road rules, for once: Toronto hasn’t been a good road team this season - their 2-6-5 record was second-worst in the Eastern Conference going into Boston. The Maple Leafs had also squandered three previous one-goal leads in the third period on the road. Up 2-1 heading into the final frame Saturday, in a hostile environment, Toronto stayed composed in their zone and didn’t sit back offensively. Coupled with good goaltending from Andersen, it was a recipe for road success.

(Not a good) numbers game: The Maple Leafs were the better team in Boston, but the Bruins obliterated them in possession time - they held the advantage overall with 67.03 percent Corsi-for. Only one of Toronto’s players - Marincin, who played 2:57 - reached 50 percent; most of the team finished between 32 percent and 41 percent. Usually it’s the opposite for Toronto - they’ll dominate puck possession but lose the game. On this night they took better advantage of their opportunities.

Fly away home: After a stretch including five of seven away games, the Maple Leafs have a five-game home stand on tap - and their sixth back-to-back of the season. Toronto is right back at it against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. The Avalanche are also playing on a back-to-back. They were torched 10-1 by the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.