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Toronto’s fourth line delivered a standout performance on Thursday, combining for seven points in the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger and Zack MacEwen — all signed as free agents in July — showed that a physical, direct style of play can complement Toronto’s high-end offensive talent.
Fourth Line Comes Alive Against the Rangers
Duhaime led the way with a goal and two assists, including a helper on Troy Stecher’s winning goal with 26.3 seconds left in regulation. MacEwen contributed two assists, while Blueger added a goal and an assist for a two-point night.
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Both Blueger and Duhaime scored their first goals for Toronto after a scoreless 10-game stretch. “Nothing was going in,” Blueger said. “Our attitude, our mindset didn’t change. It’s hard because you’re judged on results. You try not to focus on the results and just keep your mentality, your work ethic the same no matter what.”
Duhaime echoed that message after the game. “Our game is not really going to be judged on offence,” he said. “Our game is going to be more about momentum swings and playing the right way, defending hard. Any time you can chip in offensively, it feels good.”
Identity and Chemistry Built Over Time
General manager John Chayka signed all three players during the summer as part of a broader rebuild of the forward group. Head coach Jim Hiller brought the trio together last week when MacEwen returned to the lineup after sitting out six straight games.
MacEwen described their approach as simple and effective. “Fast, predictable, hard hockey,” he said. “We know what each one of us is going to do with the puck. We want to get it behind their defence, wear defence down and set it up for the next line. We know what our job is.”
Duhaime stressed the importance of consistency. “Every game you get to build that momentum and chemistry is really important,” he said. “Any time you’re on a fourth line, you’ve got to bring it every day. There’s no games off.”
Hiller praised the line’s willingness to do the unglamorous work. “They do the dirty work,” the coach said. “They’re blocking shots, getting all the forechecks going. That’s what makes the night extra special.”
Depth Scoring a Welcome Boost for Toronto
Depth scoring has been a persistent challenge throughout the Auston Matthews era in Toronto. Therefore, consistent contributions from the fourth line would provide a significant boost to the team’s overall balance.
Defenceman Troy Stecher praised the trio’s professionalism. “They’re ultimate pros,” he said. “They’ve been around, they have experience. Felt like we were kind of sluggish against New York. They dragged us in the fight.”
Beyond even-strength play, Blueger and Duhaime also anchor the NHL’s top-ranked penalty kill unit. Together, they helped shut down 29 consecutive opposition power play opportunities. “Guys just putting their bodies on the line, blocking shots,” Duhaime said. “We’re aggressive. We’re attacking teams.”
Stecher’s dramatic winner sparked celebrations across the ice, the bench and the stands. The 32-year-old defenceman has embraced the intensity of playing in Toronto’s market. “There’s so much passion around the city and so much love for the Leafs that, as a player, it’s really hard not to feel,” he said. “It’s a big-time fan base. I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”
McCabe Speaks Out After High-Stick Incident
Meanwhile, defenceman Jake McCabe arrived Thursday with a blackened, bloodshot left eye. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson caught him with a high stick during Tuesday’s 6-2 win.
McCabe remained measured about the incident. “Guys can take better care of their sticks, for sure, but obviously it’s an accident,” he said. “I’m not going to fault him for that. But just a general consensus — I’ve gotten a couple of high sticks the last three, four games, and they seem to be from younger players. Keep your stick down.”
