CHICAGO (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a decisive 5-2 victory on Sunday night, led by Nicholas Robertson’s impressive two-goal performance during the second period. This win marked the team's second consecutive victory since returning from the Four Nations Face-Off break.
With the Chicago Blackhawks having recently fallen to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1, the Maple Leafs looked to capitalize on their struggling rivals. The game began at the United Center with Chicago taking the early lead, thanks to Teuvo Teravainen’s power-play goal, his 13th of the season, which came late in the first period.
While the Blackhawks entered the first intermission with 1-0 up, the Maple Leafs swiftly responded when Max Domi found Robertson perfectly positioned for Toronto's first power-play goal just minutes later at 7:09. This shot marked the beginning of the momentum shift. Following Robertson's equalizer, Jake McCabe quickly added another goal from the blue line, giving the Maple Leafs a 2-1 advantage.
Robertson scored again just before the conclusion of the period, netting his 10th goal of the season with only 15 seconds remaining. McCabe's presence on the ice enhanced Toronto’s attack as Domi continued to aid the flow of play. Chicago managed to close the gap just before the second break, with Philipp Kurashev sneaking one past Maple Leafs’ goaltender Joseph Woll, making it 3-2.
Despite the Blackhawks managing to mount some pressure, the evening belonged to Toronto. Chris Tanev found the net with 7:53 to go, thanks to some fortunate deflections off Blackhawks defenseman T.J. Brodie, which settled any doubts about the game’s outcome. Pontus Holmberg sealed the deal with an empty-netter, finalizing the score at 5-2.
Joseph Woll stood firm between the pipes, making 25 saves throughout the contest. Toronto's victory improved their record to 35-20-2, allowing them to reclaim the lead over the Florida Panthers for the top position in the Atlantic Division.
Max Domi, who played against his former team, showcased his skills with two assists. The 24-year-old forward had a memorable outing against the Blackhawks, reflecting on his previous stint with the team and expressing his appreciation for having played alongside his childhood idol, Patrick Kane. "Man, it’s the best. I was lucky enough to play here with my childhood idol, Patrick Kane," Domi remarked, adding sentiments about the young talent the Blackhawks are building.
Although the Blackhawks began strong, they faded as the game progressed, illustrating the gap between the two teams. Meanwhile, for the Maple Leafs, this victory capped off promising performances and set them up well for their upcoming game against the Boston Bruins.
Looking forward, both Toronto and Chicago head out on the road, with the Maple Leafs facing Boston on Tuesday night and the Blackhawks visiting Utah. Chicago hopes to regroup soon to capitalize on the skills of their young roster.