Red-Hot Maple Leafs Face Reeling Blackhawks in Sunday Showdown

The Toronto Maple Leafs are hitting the road with momentum on their side, while the Chicago Blackhawks are just trying to stop the bleeding. The two teams face off Sunday in what could be another statement game for the surging Leafs—or a chance for the Blackhawks to show some fight.

Toronto Rolling Despite Late Scare

Fresh off a 6-3 win over Carolina, the Leafs enter their four-game road trip feeling good—but not perfect. After dominating early and building a 4-0 lead, Toronto nearly let it slip, conceding three quick goals before sealing the deal with a pair of empty-netters.

“Some unlucky bounces, but it was a good win,” said forward Steven Lorentz. “After 10 days off, we’ll take it.”

The Leafs have won four of their last five, sitting just one point behind the Florida Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, with two games in hand.

Milestones for Matthews and Steeves

Saturday’s win came with some big moments. Auston Matthews scored his 389th career goal, tying Darryl Sittler for second on Toronto’s all-time list—trailing only Mats Sundin (420 goals).

Meanwhile, Alex Steeves, who leads the AHL in goals (29), made an immediate impact after being called up. The 25-year-old netted his first NHL goal in just his 12th big-league game.

“It felt really good. A bit of a relief,” Steeves said. “I know I can be a goal scorer at this level.”

Blackhawks Stuck in a Rut

On the other side, Chicago’s struggles continue. The Blackhawks returned from the break only to get steamrolled 5-1 by Columbus—a game where frustration boiled over.

Chicago, second-last in the NHL ahead of only San Jose, has just one win in its last six games and two in its last ten. The rebuild was expected, but the team’s lack of fight in recent games has been concerning.

Can Chicago Find a Spark?

With the playoffs long out of reach, interim coach Anders Sorensen is searching for ways to keep his team motivated.

“Pride,” Sorensen said. “A lot of guys are playing for their future, whether it’s here or somewhere else. You’ve got to be ready to go, no matter where you are in the standings.”

Sunday’s Matchup: Leafs Aim to Keep Rolling

While the Leafs are eyeing the top of the division, the Blackhawks are searching for answers. Will Toronto cruise past another struggling opponent, or can Chicago find something to rally around?

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We’ll find out Sunday night.