TORONTO - It's hardly new for a hockey team to consider a matchup against a recent Stanley Cup champion a "measuring-stick" game. Riding a two-game winning streak against the meek and the injured, the Toronto Maple Leafs saw their showdown with the Chicago Blackhawks as a chance to prove themselves.

Thanks to a solid puck-possession game through two periods and stellar goaltending and timely offence, especially in the third, the Leafs didn't just hang with one of the NHL's best -- they beat the Blackhawks 3-2 Saturday night at Air Canada Centre.

Peter Holland scored the game-winner, and James Reimer stopped 45 of the 47 shots he faced, including 26 saves in the third period. Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk also scored for the Leafs (6-4-1).

Brad Richards and Brent Seabrook scored power-play goals for Chicago (6-4-1). Goaltender Corey Crawford, who was making his first start since Oct. 18 because of an upper-body injury, made 24 saves.

Toronto improved to 3-4-0 at home this season.

The Leafs go west for a two-game road trip to face the reeling Arizona Coyotes and middling Colorado Avalanche next week. The Blackhawks host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday before travelling to Montreal to play the Canadiens.