In a recent game against the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs went down to a 5-3 defeat. However, the team’s first line had a productive night despite that loss. While there have been ups and downs for Toronto as a team, this first-line trio has been consistent. Secondary scoring has been down, but that isn’t true of the team’s first line. They’ve been a strong line.

Can they do it again against a hot St. Louis Blues team tonight? If the Senators game was just a case in point, perhaps they can come through for the team. Here’s a breakdown of the standout games played by Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitchell Marner against the Senators.

Related: 5 Interesting Facts About Simon Benoit of the Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies Ends Goal Drought, Shows Rookie Potential

In the Senators’ game, Knies – who’s still a rookie with the Maple Leafs – broke his 17-game goal drought with a strong game. Despite the team’s loss, Knies showed his offensive ability by scoring a goal and adding an assist. His goal was especially well-executed.

Knies established a solid position in front of the Senators’ goalie; and, using his good hand/eye coordination, he was able to deflect a Marner shot. He has the makings of a young power forward. He also has a high hockey IQ and is developing the skills he needs to become a regular producer.

While he’s not yet there – rookie season and all – he has the potential to grow into a power forward who can be an elite goal scorer. Currently, Knies’ season production does not yet reflect his true potential. Still, his recent breakthrough gives fans a sense of how promising his future contributions might be to the team.

Auston Matthews Continues Streak, Ties Maple Leafs Record

Matthews continued his remarkable point streak with a goal and an assist against the Senators. His goal moved his NHL lead to 42 goals on the season. It also extended his point streak to nine games, In those games, Matthew has put up an impressive 15 points.

But Matthews is not alone. His scoring is impacted positively because he’s partnered with such a dynamic linemate in Marner. Together they make up one of the strongest tandems of the entire NHL. During the Senators’ game, the effectiveness of that twosome became apparent when the Matthews and Marner collaboration tied a franchise record.

The goal marked the 209th time during their short career that Matthews and Marner had collaborated on a goal. That tied a franchise record that was previously set by Maple Leafs legends Lanny McDonald and Darryl Sittler. That record will undoubtedly rise as Matthews and Marner continue their play together.

Marner Ties Record in Maple Leafs’ Loss

Although the Maple Leafs lost to the Senators, Marner’s exceptional playmaking skills were on display. The two assists he put up extended his point streak to four games, with a total of six points in those games. On the season, Marner now has 57 points, with 22 goals and 35 assists, in 50 games. He sits third in team scoring behind William Nylander (65) and Matthews (63).

For his career, Marner now has played 557 games, with 190 goals and 421 assists (for 611 points). His partner Matthews has played 27 fewer games, but he has 151 more goals (341) and 157 fewer assists (264) for 605 points. Together they should continue to put up points over their Maple Leafs’ careers.

The Maple Leafs First Line Is Playing Well

As the Maple Leafs’ first line continues to excel on the ice, their contributions remain the key to the team’s ability to victory. With Matthews, Marner, and Knies carrying a good measure of the scoring production, the Maple Leafs have a strong top-six offensive group. Now the question remains if they can help lead this team toward postseason success.

Related: Ryan Reaves Backs Morgan Rielly Hit, Criticizes Changed NHL