In a commanding performance to close out the calendar year, the Toronto Maple Leafs delivered a decisive 4-0 victory over the visiting New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena. The win was fueled by a resurgent power play and a stellar 33-save shutout from goaltender Joseph Woll.
Woll Stands Tall for Third Career Shutout
The story of the night was the brilliance of Joseph Woll in the Toronto crease. The netminder was perfect, turning aside all 33 shots he faced to secure his first shutout of the 2025-26 season and the third of his NHL career. Woll's performance included several highlight-reel saves, including a crucial point-blank stop on Devils forward Ondrej Palat in the first period that kept the game scoreless. His acrobatic style frustrated New Jersey's attack throughout the night and provided a stable foundation for the Leafs' victory.
Power Play Finds Its Rhythm
With key offensive weapons Auston Matthews and William Nylander sidelined with day-to-day lower-body injuries, the Maple Leafs needed contributions from throughout the lineup. The power play, which has struggled for much of the season, answered the call. Since the dismissal of assistant coach Marc Savard on December 22, the unit has shown marked improvement, going 4-for-10 after starting the season at a 13.3% success rate (12-for-90).
The man-advantage opened the scoring at 14:21 of the first period. Nick Robertson intercepted a clearing attempt at the blue line and quickly fed Bobby McMann, who beat Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom with a sharp snapshot. The momentum from the special teams continued, leading to the team's second goal.
Secondary Scoring Steps Up
With the top-line stars out, depth players seized the opportunity. Bobby McMann wasn't finished after his power-play goal; he later assisted on the Leafs' second tally. At 14:24 of the second period, Nicolas Roy deflected a McMann pass past Markstrom, a goal that came just one second after a New Jersey penalty expired.
Calle Jarnkrok broke a lengthy drought by scoring his first goal since November 1 in the third period, providing valuable insurance. The scoring was capped by an empty-net goal from Matthew Knies, who earlier in the period had engaged in a spirited fight with Devils captain Nico Hischier, a bout generally scored in Knies' favour.
The win improves the Maple Leafs' home record to 13 victories at Scotiabank Arena and moves the team to within three points of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The team also played without defenceman Chris Tanev and forward Dakota Joshua, both out with injuries sustained in Sunday's overtime loss in Detroit. The victory sends the Leafs into the new year on a high note, showcasing resilience and a much-needed spark from their special teams.
