1. Martin sets tone with big check in scoreless first frame.The Blues beat the Leafs in their previous meeting this season - a 6-4 victory in St. Louis Nov. 4 - but Tuesday's game at Air Canada Centre was a defensive affair through the first two periods: neither side scored in the opening frame, and in the second, the scoresheet was blank as well. However, the Blues are a big and physical team, and as such, Toronto wanted to show them they weren't about to be intimidated by their size and doggedness on the puck.
The Buds sent that message almost immediately after the opening puck drop, when winger Matt Martin curled behind the visitors' net and laid a robust check on centre Kyle Brodziak that knocked the veteran clear off his skates. St. Louis' players did not take kindly to it, and Martin was immediately challenged to a fight by winger Chris Thorburn; Martin obliged, but the message was sent: the Leafs were going to match the intensity of the Blues and make them earn whatever they got.
Five Takeaways - Leafs vs. Blues - 01/16/18
Here are five takeaways from the Maple Leafs' 2-1 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues Tuesday at Air Canada Centre: