Spezza scores. Hyman scores. Maple Leafs cling to top spot in the North

How important was the Maple Leafs’ 2-0 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night?

A good example came after Zach Hyman scored the second goal, late in the second period. Hyman, after his wraparound effort, skated to the bench for the customary glove tap with his teammates. Only this time, Wayne Simmonds almost leapt off the bench with a high-five.

That was the level of emotion for the Leafs, who snapped a three-game losing streak and had lost six of seven.

Jason Spezza also scored for Toronto, which was also fighting for its first-place life in the North Division.

The Leafs entered Saturday tied with Edmonton for first place, with Winnipeg just two points behind. The Oilers and Jets met in the late game Saturday, but Toronto’s win ensured they would enter a four-day break with at least a share of the top perch.

Spezza’s goal was his seventh of the season, and marked the first time in seven games that the Leafs had scored first.

Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe made something of an eye-opening move prior to the game, starting Jack Campbell in net with Michael Hutchinson backing up. No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen was given the game off, possibly for a mental break.

Campbell responded with a 31-save effort and has won all four of his starts this season, two by shutout.

Hyman’s goal came late in the second period and was the best shift by any player up to that point in the game. He wound up with the puck behind the net after Morgan Reilly joined the rush, was tripped to the ice and took two defencemen with him as he slid hard into the end boards.

Hyman peeled around the net and fired a wrist shot into the top corner for a 2-0 lead. Alex Galchenyuk picked up an assist, his first point as a Leaf.

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