Ranking the Top Moments of 2014 for the Toronto Maple Leafs

There have been enough ups and downs for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014 to leave loyal fans feeling a little queasy with all of the roller-coaster action. Wild inconsistencies for most of the calendar year means fans still really don't know what to expect from this improving yet topsy-turvy squad.

The bottom line is that the Leafs are anything but boring.

Despite the growing pains, the team has many good elements, which should mean that the ups will outnumber the downs for the rest of the 2014-15 season.

2014 had a number of highlights. Last January has faded from memory for many, so let's take a look at the top moments from the past year for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

5. Leafs Humiliate the Buffalo Sabres

Adam Wiepert/Associated Press

The Buffalo Sabres have been playing much better hockey in recent weeks. Earlier in the season, they were not at their best.

The Leafs humiliated the Sabres on October 28 at Air Canada Centre by a score of 4-0. They allowed just 10 shots. Yes, just 10. The Sabres were never in this game following puck drop. 

Jonathan Bernier earned the shutout—although I use the term "earned" loosely. Morgan Rielly, Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak each had two points in this game. 

Regardless of the opponent, this was one of the best team-defense performances that the Leafs have had in the past decade.

4. The Maple Leafs Dominate the Boston Bruins

The Maple Leafs played one of their best games in the past two or three seasons against the Boston Bruins on November 13. The Leafs won this laugher 6-1.

The Bruins were thoroughly dominated on this night. Phil Kessel scored the first two goals of the game, including the game-winner. The former Bruin was flying on virtually every shift.

Air Canada Centre was rocking, as the Leafs carried the bulk of the play from the outset. Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask was chased from the Bruins net by the end of the second period.

The Leafs were full value for this exceptional performance.

3. Randy Carlyle Leads Leafs Against the Anaheim Ducks

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In 2006-07, Randy Carlyle led the Anaheim Ducks to their only Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. This game back on March 10 saw the Leafs defeat the Ducks in Carlyle's first game in Anaheim since being fired by the organization.

The Leafs won the game 3-1, with Jonathan Bernier allowing just one goal on 44 shots. Phil Kessel was outstanding in earning three points in the victory.

While the Ducks did dominate territorially for long stretches, the Leafs were able to keep much of the play to the outside. The win saw the Leafs climb into second place in the Atlantic Division.

Unfortunately for Leafs fans, they weren't able to maintain that high position when the playoffs began in April.

2. Leafs Select Budding Star William Nylander

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Swedish star William Nylander seems to be improving steadily. He showed flashes of brilliance in his first training camp and exhibition season with the Maple Leafs this past September and October.

The talented winger has been great for Modo in the Swedish Elite League. He's put up 19 points in 19 games while playing against some of the best players outside of the NHL.

Nylander is currently starring for Team Sweden at the U20 World Junior Championship. His selection at the NHL draft this past summer has to rank as one of the best moments for the Leafs in 2014.

He's not all the way there yet, but all signs point to Nylander being a top-line scorer in the NHL in the coming years. He's got the offensive skills to become an elite NHL scorer.

1. Maple Leafs Defeat Detroit Red Wings in Winter Classic

The Big House was the site for another memorable Winter Classic on New Year's Day in 2014. The Leafs faced off against the Detroit Red Wings in an Original Six battle.

A lot of snow fell that day, which slowed the pace of the game, but it also added to the game's ambiance.

Jonathan Bernier was outstanding in stopping 43 of 45 shots. He also held strong in the shootout, which the Leafs eventually won to earn the 3-2 victory. James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak were the scorers in regulation for the Leafs. 

Tens of thousands of Leafs fans were in full-voiced attendance in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over 100,000 fans made this the highest-attended game in NHL history. This was easily the best moment for the Maple Leafs in 2014.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.