The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights are two contrasting franchises. One has been around since 1917 while the other started playing a century later. One hasn't been to the Stanley Cup Final since 1967 while the other won the Stanley Cup in 2023. One is hated because they're the Dallas Cowboys of the NHL while the other is hated because of their success.
Yet, the more different they are, the more they're alike. That starts with the two being hated by 30 other fanbases. They also have two megastars: Jack Eichel (19 goals and 53 assists this season) and Auston Matthews (22 goals and 30 assists). As Terrell Owens once said...
"Getcha popcorn ready!"
Hockey eyeballs will be fixated on this matchup come Wednesday night, when the two teams square off. Both division leaders entering Tuesday have plenty to play for, starting with keep last season's Stanley Cup Final participants off their tails. The Florida Panthers are tied in points with the Maple Leafs while the Edmonton Oilers are four points back of the Golden Knights.
The best part? The game's on TNT and not ESPN. The "Worldwide Leader in Sports" seems more invested in sniffing LeBron James's farts than hockey coverage. Why not go with a network that actually cares (even if Paul Bissonnette is on the screen)?
But let's look at the game on Wednesday, shall we? One strategy should be used to take down the road team. They do a particular thing that should be prevented at all costs, ensuring pure dominance and holding off those Oilers. That's especially true since Vegas's division rivals just acquired Trent Frederic. Therefore, keeping them off their tails start with beating Toronto by this venue.
Puck possession matters for the Vegas Golden Knights
The Toronto Maple Leafs love wearing their opponents down by making them chase. Dumping and chasing leaves open opportunities going deeper into games, letting players like Auston Matthews capitalize on miscues. Granted, it's drawn the ire of some fans.
I know it's unpopular but I hate Craig Berube hockey and I think it's just a coincidence they happened to get top notch goaltending for a half season.
— Editor in Leaf (@EditorinLeaf) January 12, 2025
The Leafs neutering their offense to dump and chase is stupid and pathetic and should be unacceptable.
However, it's also a problem for the Vegas Golden Knights considering they're seventh in team giveaways per game this season (15.68 per game entering Tuesday). Meanwhile, Toronto is 19th (14.89), using caution in turning the puck over. Therefore, puck possession is a must if the home team wants to win on Wednesday.
The "dump and chase" strategy was in full effect on November 20 as the Maple Leafs blanked Vegas, 3-0. Joseph Woll stopped all 31 shots while his team scored two third-period goals. Why? They wore the Golden Knights down by making them get the puck.
Make the Toronto Maple Leafs earn the puck
That starts with controlling all three zones and holding onto the puck as long as possible. How? Well, dear reader, drawing penalties will help the cause. It worked against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday with two power play goals. Overall, special teams was the focal point of that matchup, where Nicolas Hague milked the clock on a delayed penalty with three minutes left in the third period.
Puck possession like this ensures the Maple Leafs don't enact their strategy. Instead, they're defending in their own zone and playing defense throughout the game. Sunday's game also saw the Golden Knights take care of the puck with 12 giveaways and five takeaways. It adds to the credence that handling the puck throughout the game will help the home team win.
There's no doubt Wednesday's matchup will be exciting for hockey fans everywhere. Any time Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel play each other, it makes for a dramatic flair. But it'll be a great night for Las Vegas if the home team prevents the "dump and chase" from becoming a thing.