TORONTO - The Maple Leafs are showing new unity following a season-ending injury to captain Auston Matthews. Morgan Rielly dropped the gloves in a recent game after goaltender Joseph Woll was targeted, marking a shift in team behavior.
Rielly’s actions followed a series of games where the team struggled to respond to aggressive plays. Rookie Easton Cowan also joined in, leading a comeback win. Coach Craig Berube praised the change in attitude, calling it a 'wake-up call.'
Players said they’ve been focusing on supporting one another since Matthews’ injury, with Steven Lorentz noting the importance of team cohesion. Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned from paternity leave to play 25 minutes in a key victory.