The Leafs have rallied around the Rielly-Greig incident, Rielly’s subsequent suspension-related absence, and an ugly initial return from the All-Star break (1-2-0) by rattling off a 5-0-0 run. They beat five non-playoff teams from 2022-23 who have a combined 102-107-5 record so far this season. The Leafs conceded just 11 goals in those five games, although it came against offenses ranked 23rd, 24th (x2), 26th, and 29th in the NHL.
The stiffer tests begin tonight in Vegas as in the next six games, they will play four teams that combine for a 138-64-24 record between them: the Golden Knights (x2), Avalanche, Rangers, and Bruins.