Finally. That’s more like it.
In what was easily their most complete and composed performance of the young season, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Calgary Flames 4–3 to improve to 5–4–1. The scoreline might not scream dominance, but the performance certainly did. For the first time this year, the Leafs played with poise, direction, and identity — dictating pace and controlling play from start to finish.
It didn’t start that way. Calgary opened the scoring early, continuing a frustrating trend that’s haunted Toronto through the first ten games — conceding the first goal far too often. But this time, the response was immediate, confident, and full of purpose.
Max Domi — in what might have been his best game as a Maple Leaf — tied things up at one apiece with a determined finish that electrified the building. From there, the Leafs took control. Matthew Knies, who continues to look more comfortable every game, added a pair of goals to give Toronto the edge. And when Calgary clawed back late, it was Domi again, crashing the net and burying the go-ahead goal with just two minutes left to seal the win.
Aside from a few shaky moments from Anthony Stolarz between the pipes, there wasn’t much to nitpick about this one. The Leafs looked connected — not just as a group of talented players, but as a team with structure and buy-in. The forecheck had bite. The defensive layers held. And for the first time under Craig Berube this season, it felt like everything he’s been preaching — accountability, simplicity, and intensity — finally took hold.
It wasn’t just a win. It was a template.
If the Leafs can build from this game — trusting their system, staying disciplined, and playing with that same edge — this might just be the night we look back on as the moment Toronto found its rhythm.
For one night, at least, the Leafs didn’t just win — they looked like the team we’ve been waiting for.