Despite a depleted defense, the Maple Leafs have been able to use Rielly's suspension as a rallying point.

ST. LOUIS — The punishment was severe. The consequences could have been catastrophic.

Despite playing without top defenseman Morgan Rielly over the past four games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have rattled off a perfect record in that span. The latest was a 4-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues on Monday afternoon.

Marshall Rifai made his NHL debut, called up out of necessity due to an injury to William Lagesson and the leave of Mark Giordano, who is away from the club to mourn the sudden passing of his father, Paul. And then of course, there is Rielly, who finished serving out the fourth of a five-game suspension for his cross-check to the face of Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig.

Toronto has found a way to weather adversity. But they've also stepped up. Rielly's actions had consequences, no doubt. But his act, done out of retribution for Greig's firing of a slapshot into an empty net, was his way of sticking up for his team. Something that has spilled over to his teammates.

"He kind of defended the respect of our team and I think we’re playing really hard now," Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies said. "He’s a valuable piece for us and we’re excited he’s going to come back here soon. But, we’re playing good hockey and it’s given us a jump."

Knies scored the first goal in his team's win on Monday. William Nylander scored the game-winner, a shorthanded tally that kept them separated by a Blues club that found its legs late, but not enough to erase Toronto's lead.

Despite a sleepy first period, Toronto played a good road game for a club that flew in the night before to play just their third afternoon game of the season. They didn't give up much at even strength, having 59 percent of the expected-goals share, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

Like their first game without Rielly while hosting the Blues less than a week ago, the team has found its footing defensively, and that's probably the best way they could pay it back to Rielly.

"We’ve answered the bell. I think Mo lit the fire in the team," William Nylander said. . "We’re battling for Mo."

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