TORONTO — After a three-day hiatus where the Toronto Maple Leafs had ample time to stew, then reflect upon one of their worst losses of the season, there was no way they were coming out flat against the desolate Chicago Blackhawks.
William Nylander personified the Maple Leafs’ renewed focus, scoring nine seconds into the contest after Blackhawks defenseman Jake McCabe blew a tire. It was the fourth-fastest goal to start a game in franchise history. Although Chicago’s Sam Lafferty capitalized on an inexcusable Calle Jarnkrok turnover 53 seconds later, Toronto bowled over its inferior opponent.