The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Utah Mammoth 5-3 on Wednesday night, and the victory was just a little bit sweeter for Matias Maccelli.
The Maple Leafs acquired Maccelli this summer in hopes that he would be able to fill part of the void left by Mitch Marner, from a playmaking standpoint anyway. Maccelli’s start to the season wasn’t perfect, with five points in 12 games heading into Wednesday night’s game, but you could still see the potential there.
Head coach Craig Berube wound up scratching Maccelli for Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the forward responded with the game-winning goal and an assist in his return to the lineup. Berube told reporters following the game that Maccelli responded exactly the way he was hoping for.
“I thought he was competitive all over the ice,” Berube told reporters. “Ended up getting one and one [goal and assist], but, for me, it’s like, just watching him and how he competed on pucks all night, I thought he was really good.”
Berube was asked if what he saw from Maccelli is why the team went out and acquired him, in which he deferred an answer to general manager Brad Treliving, but did say that he has helped fill the playmaking void this season.
“I mean, the guy has talent and playmaking ability. That’s why we went and got him.”
Berube was then asked about the value of healthy scratching players and whether it could go sideways, in which he defended his decision in this case and spoke to Maccelli’s extra spark in the lineup on Wednesday.
“I’d always say it’s more positive than anything, for the most part,” Berube said. “I think, you know, there are players that are scratched because of decisions by the coach, bodies, different lineups, things like that. In Maccelli’s case, I thought he could give us more, and he did tonight, from a scratch. So, you know, just depends on the situation.”
Maccelli is up to seven points in 13 games on the season, which is a pretty promising pace for Maccelli’s skillset, and if you ask him, he likely believes the best is yet to come, which is a good sign for him and the team going forward.
PRESENTED BY TABLE FAIR + SOCIAL
TABLE Fare + Social is a vibrant food hall in the heart of Toronto’s financial district,
offering a unique dining and social experience just steps from transit and the
arena—perfect for pregame meals before tip-off. Open weekdays from 11am to 10pm,
TABLE serves up morning treats, creative eats, and lively after-work events. With a
private terrace overlooking Toronto’s elevated park, guests enjoy stunning views
alongside year-round programming that includes food tastings, cooking classes, live
music, and pop-up events designed to spark connection and creativity.
Follow along @Tablefood hall or tablefoodhall.com