The headline doesn't need a preamble, Bobby McMann he scored a hat trick as the Leafs beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1!

McMann was initially going to get scratched for Ryan Reaves, but with the illnesses to Marner and Tavares, he and Steeves got the chance to play. And play he did. Two power forward-esque goals and a zone clear that ended up going in the back of the net, McMann exemplified the Leafs hard work paying off in this game.

Yes, it was a strong effort from the Leafs top to bottom, with the buds holding the Blues to only 15 shots.

The initial headline was going to be William Nylander, who got the game-winning goal for the Leafs – scoring off the stick of Matthew Kessel – but he was sandwiched by a triple-thick slice of McMann, the real hero of the game.

First Period

This would've been a glorious way to start off the game.

Nylander got the first chance of the game with a one-timer from the slot from Matthews after he got the puck into the zone himself.

1-0

Power forward Bobby McMann dropped his shoulder and took it to the net. He and Kämpf whacked for the puck but Bobby was the McMann to do it. The assist went to Gregor. Getting some depth scoring on a night without Marner or Tavares or Rielly was also much appreciated.

Bertuzzi got off on a breakaway but couldn't slip the puck over the pad and under the blocker.

2-0

Alternate Captain William Nylander passed off Matt Kessel's stick and into the back of the net!

Nick Robertson hauled ass when his incomplete pass led to a break for the Blues. It wasn't the best diving technique, but he got the puck, and he's still young and spry enough that he won't break his groin on that kind of play just yet. Keefe gave him some encouraging words on the bench.

After One

Nice period.

Second Period

Domi took a dumb retaliation penalty and the first power play of the game went to St. Louis. Toropchenko hit McCabe into the boards while McCabe was playing the puck. Domi hit Toropchenko after the puck was gone.

Noah Gregor got a breakaway shorthanded but he couldn't get his shot past the blocker of the Blues goalie. Matthews gave Gregor another chance on another shorthanded rush. Alas, the puck didn't make it to the winger.

McCabe's nose was bleeding after the first hit, which sucks for him since it just keeps getting broken this season. Maybe he should transition to a bubble?

2-1

I thought the Blues were going to score on their fifth shot of the game, but Toropchenko scored on their sixth. It was a tip in front after the power play ended.

Bertuzzi hit the corner of the post from the bottom of the faceoff dot. Robertson also used a big burst of speed to challenge the defense and make a play. He's getting there.

5'9" Nathan Walker used the speed part of kinetic energy to topple Reaves in the neutral zone. Lol, lmao.

With Knies in the box for hooking, Nylander nearly got a breakaway but the snow in front of the benches prevented him from corralling the puck.

After Two

First period was very good for the Leafs. Second period not as much, but they still held the Blues to only eight shots.

Third Period

3-1

Bobby McMann scores again with a slingshot into the top corner!! The power forward does it again!

The Blues pulled the goalie with two and a half minutes left in the game down two.

4-1

AND BOBBY MCMANN SCORES THE HAT TRICK!!!! He was supposed to be a scratch tonight, but he knocked the puck down the zone, not looking to score, but it bounced its way in. Excellent, amazing, awesome!

McBallgame!

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