It was hunch by Maple Leafs' coach Ron Wilson, but it was another step in the rebuilding of John Mitchell's offensive confidence and his search for consistency around the opposition net.

In the shootout, after a very patient game by the young Leafs against a veteran New Jersey squad that thrives on close battles, the Leafs had just potted two goals to hold a 2-1 lead in the penalty shot contest.

At the other end, Jean-Sebastien Giguere had just made an excellent save on Patrik Elias to put Toronto in position to clinch. Then out came Mitchell, he of the five goals this season.