Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson delivered a standout performance against the Dallas Stars, leading his team to a 5-3 victory on December 18, 2024. The 23-year-old scored the go-ahead goal and recorded an assist, turning up the spotlight on the annual sibling matchup against his older brother, Stars forward Jason Robertson.
The night was particularly memorable for the Robertson family, who had their parents in attendance. Nick reflected on the unique dynamics of facing his brother on the ice, saying, "It’s fun and sometimes not because I want the best for my bro but I also want what’s best for the team. Tonight, I’m going to put my feelings for him away and help the team win." This sentiment underscored the competitive spirit between the two, with Nick not shying away from the fact he wanted to outperform his brother.
Jay Oettinger, the birthday boy who turned 26, was between the pipes for the Stars but had his work cut out for him against an aggressive Maple Leafs side. Although he only allowed five goals, he faced 39 shots, which kept the pressure on throughout the game. It was quite the birthday celebration for him, albeit not the one he had hoped for.
The game turned on its head just past the midway mark of the second period, when Nick capitalized on a defensive lapse from the Stars. He scored unassisted at 5:31 to give the Maple Leafs a 3-2 lead, just 16 seconds after William Nylander found the back of the net. This rapid-fire scoring highlighted the swift momentum shift typical of NHL games, with one team’s error swiftly exploited by the other.
Jason Robertson's reaction was understated, reflective of his supportive role as older brother. "These opportunities don’t come much, so it is special," he said before the game. The rivalry, often played out with teasing and lighthearted banter, takes on serious undertones during clashes like these.
On the night, Joseph Woll stood tall for the Leafs, saving 38 of 41 shots. His performance was even more impressive considering he was stepping up with fellow goalie Anthony Stolarz sidelined for at least four to six weeks due to knee surgery. "(Woll) was our best player tonight. He was really good," said Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, pointing out the key saves Woll made during pivotal moments.
Woll’s display was contrasted by Oettinger’s struggle, especially notable when he let McMann score Toronto’s fourth goal later, pushed back by his inability to handle the increasing pressure from Maple Leafs' forwards.
Adding to the excitement of the win was the sticky situation the Stars found themselves after leading early with Sam Steel’s opening goal just five minutes and 14 seconds in. Toronto quickly leveled the score with Max Domi netting one just 59 seconds later. The Stars’ defensive issues came to the fore later when they could only manage one player back during offensive rushes, leaving them vulnerable to counters—a mistake capitalized on by Nick and the Leafs. "Got to find a fine line of being aggressive... but having defensemen back in case of turnover," said commentator observations emphasizing the strategy pitfalls the Stars faced.
While Dallas’s performance felt affected by illness circulating among the players, which many speculated as contributing to their sloppy puck handling, the Maple Leafs showed poise and aggression, traits they’ll need to carry them through the rest of the season. Pete DeBoer’s men must regroup prior to their next contest against the New York Rangers on Friday, as staying sharp will be key for their competitiveness.
The Maple Leafs, now first place in their division, have shown their play can withstand pressure situations. Nick’s recent performances hint at increasing confidence; after bouncing back from being scratched for underperformance earlier, he noted, "I want to earn every game, I want to play every game," underscoring his commitment.
After the final whistle, both Robertson brothers embraced, signaling the closeness of their relationship even amid fierce competition. Joseph Woll’s ascent and Nick's rising confidence mark significant developments for the Maple Leafs as they gear up for the potential playoffs.
With their win against the Stars, the Maple Leafs are optimistic heading forward—eager to maintain momentum as they face off against the struggling Buffalo Sabres next. And for the Robertson brothers, every encounter promises excitement and family bragging rights on the line.
