Overview
- Toronto closed a 4-2-0 road trip with a third straight win, beating Carolina 5-1 behind two goals from Bobby McMann and contributions across the lineup.
- Starter Joseph Woll exited after the second period with a lower-body injury and no postgame timetable, according to head coach Craig Berube.
- Dennis Hildeby stopped all nine shots in relief and has recently shown starter-capable form, including a 33-save win on Nov. 29.
- The revamped third line continued to drive offense, while the Knies–Matthews–Domi trio produced at key moments as Toronto’s defensive structure drew praise from Scotty Bowman.
- Special teams remain a concern as the power play sits around 10-for-68 and Anthony Stolarz has yet to resume skating, leaving goaltending depth in question if Woll misses time.