I really don't think inserting Malgin made a difference. Muzzin was on a warpath and Freddie wanted redemption.

Like the trade due to the Leafs have little NHL centre depth.

I find it interesting that Leafs acquired Denis Malgin from the Florida Panthers. Paul McFarland who is a Leafs assisstant coach was previously the assistant coach for the Florida Panthers for the two previous years and would have had inside knowledge of the actual skill level of Denis Malgin and probably advised the Leafs that this is a player that could really break out if given a chance in a top 6 offensive role.

The Leafs may have found a real gem in this player and is probably why they inserted him with Tavares and Nylander. Austin Matthews may have also put in some good words for Malgin as well as played together in Switzerland.

Agree, also think the trade for Malgin really strengthened the Leafs 3rd line by moving Kerfoot back to centre on 3rd line with Engvall and Kapanen which has the makings of solid 3rd line in the NHL. The Leafs 3rd line was really hurting the team prior to this trade but now seems to be fixed.

I think the Leafs needed to hit rock bottom with losses in Buffalo and Pittsburg for the players to unite and buy into playing a team defence game tonight and really alot of the players really stepped up tonight and performed well. A 4-0 win over the Penguins who have been playing great hockey is a real confidence builder for the Leafs going forward and shows them how they have to play a team defence game to be successful and win hockey games for the remainer of season and playoffs.

It's one game.............against a Penguins team that actively has both Justin Schultz and Jack Johnson in the top 4.............and against Matt Murray.

I thought the Penguins were one of the hottest teams in the NHL and anytime you shut out Crosby and Malkin in a game your team is putting in a dominating performance. Not sure why you mention Murray in a negative light when he actually single handedly won 2 Stanley Cups for your team.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with his game. Thought he fit in very well.

Leafs could claim the same excuses. Penguins were good last game and the leafs were not. Leafs were good tonight and the penguins were not.

Took you long enough. Been waiting for this over the top post...

This may have been the most important game of the season for the Leafs as a team and Sheldon Keefe as their coach as the hockey media and fans were giving up on them. The Leafs may have finally figured out that they need to play as a team and play a solid team defense game to win in the NHL and was really impressed by the effort of alot of the players.

*sigh*

Yea no.

@TheresAlwaysNextYear

Interested in your take on the Malgin trade for the Leafs.

Solid. Get a decent bottom 6 player for an older more expensive player who was likely never going to crack the leafs full time

They're not a powerhouse unless they start winning more often.

The Leafs have had one of the better winning records in NHL since Sheldon Keefe took over as coach.

Since the winning streak in December they've been in-and-around a 500 record. This team has to be better than that.