'That's The Secondary Scoring': Maple Leafs' Third Line Of Robertson, McMann And Domi Steals Show In Win Over Stars

Toronto's third line combined for three goals and four points in their 5-3 win against the Stars.

The Toronto Maple Leafs might have found their optimal third line after two impressive games together.

Max Domi started Toronto's scoring in the first period on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars, tallying his second goal of the season in as many games. It's the first time the forward has scored in back-to-back games since Feb. 22 and 25, 2023 with the Chicago Blackhawks.

After Dallas scored early in the second period, William Nylander potted his 19th goal of the year to tie the game at two. Sixteen seconds later, Nick Robertson gathered up a loose puck and beat Jake Oettinger for his fourth goal in 25 games, and second in as many games, giving Toronto a 3-2 lead.

The camera panned to Robertson's parents after the goal.

"No, it doesn't [get old to score in front of parents]. It's nice to score. Honestly, in any game *laughs* it's nice to score," Robertson said after the game. "But tonight was nice with family in town, so I was excited."

Six minutes later, Bobby McMann found the back of the net, putting the Maple Leafs up 4-2 over the Stars. The 28-year-old has seven goals in 24 games this season and has points in back-to-back games. Toronto's third line combined for four points on Wednesday in their 5-3 win o Dallas, three of which were goals.

"Well, that's huge. I mean, that's secondary scoring. I thought they were really good tonight, worked really hard," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following the game. 

"You know, their reloads are great and that's why they scored a couple goals, is by reloading hard and breaking plays up and then, you know, attacking the other way."

The Maple Leafs' third line has connected for 10 points in their last two games. They've scored five of Toronto's 10 goals during the past two matchups, against Dallas and the Buffalo Sabres.

The trio has a 60.17 xGF% at five-on-five through 42:28 of ice time with Toronto this season, according to NaturalStatTrick.com. McMann, Domi, and Robertson combined for five shots on the evening against the Stars.

"I think we're just trusting ourselves to do our jobs and that the next guy is going to do his and we're just competing and that's number one is competing to get pucks back and when the puck's on our stick, obviously those guys can make plays and have been showing it," McMann said. 

"So I think just we've been able to convert on a few now because just the competition."