28/82: December 10 @ NJD

Final Score: Leafs 2, Devils 1 (OT)

Talk about winning a game you shouldn’t be winning.

Toronto officially registered one (ONE) shot on goal in the first period Tuesday night in New Jersey. (Would the Devils’ home rink be called hell?)

Conversely, the Devils came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, getting what felt like five shots in their first offensive rush.

The powerplay faltered again on three chances. New Jersey generated more shots on Toronto’s advantages. That’s never a good night for the unit, especially when you’re trying to get offense with five forwards on the ice at once.

The Leafs ended the game with 17 shots. New Jersey had 16 in the first period.

Credit to Anthony Stolarz for holding a 0-0 tie through 20. He finished with 38 saves on a night where he gave the front office a strong reason to make him the clear R1G1 starter come March.

On a night where the Leafs couldn’t seem to find the offensive pressure needed to generate enough momentum, credit the bottom-six and Pontus Holmberg for bailing out the team with a short-handed goal with around 10 minutes left in regulation. From a shot that seemingly wouldn’t have threatened an NHL goalie.

Question(s) for the Devils: Have last season’s questions in net been answered this year? That is to say, will it translate in the playoffs?

The Leafs host the Anaheim Ducks Thursday night. 7pm puck drop.