The Dallas Stars knew they were going to get a motivated Toronto Maple Leafs team when they journeyed north on Thursday night. The Leafs lost to the Arizona Coyotes in their last game, and their elite players were called out by their coach for not playing like elite players.
In other words, the Leafs didn’t need additional help to beat the Stars. Playing on their home ice and against one of the hottest-start teams in the league, there was plenty to find the motivation for this one.
That’s why Dallas did themselves no favors with their parade to the penalty box.