Tag: Toronto Maple Leafs

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Mitch Marner’s hat trick leads Maple Leafs to victory over Red Wings

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Mitch Marner scored a hat trick with three consecutive goals in the first two periods, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. This was Marner’s third career hat trick, and he had previously scored four goals against Detroit on February 26, 2022.

David Kampf scored his first goal of the season in his 500th career game. Nicholas Robertson also scored, and John Tavares contributed two assists. Joseph Woll made 23 saves in goal as Toronto secured their second win in three games against Detroit, with one more meeting between the teams left this season.

Todd McLellan, who was hired as the Red Wings’ new head coach on Thursday to replace Derek Lalonde, had a rough start with the loss. Detroit’s Lucas Raymond and Simon Edvinsson scored, but the team has now lost four straight games. Goalies Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon combined for 18 saves in the defeat.

Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs missed his third straight game due to an upper-body injury.

Kampf opened the scoring at 2:29 in the first period, capitalizing on a Red Wings turnover. Marner then scored his first goal of the game at 8:16, converting a rebound with a pass from Tavares. Marner added his second goal with 31.8 seconds left in the first period, assisted by Nylander and Tavares.

Marner completed his hat trick with 3:37 remaining in the second period, redirecting a shot from Ekman-Larsson past Talbot. Robertson added a goal with just 1.2 seconds left in the second period, assisted by Domi and McMann.

Raymond and Edvinsson scored for Detroit in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to recover from the Maple Leafs’ strong start

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Leafs’ Auston Matthews (upper body) sidelined for at least 2 more games

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without their captain, Auston Matthews, for at least two more games as he recovers from an upper-body injury, according to NHL.com on Friday.

Matthews, 27, has missed the last two games and will also sit out Friday’s game against Detroit and Saturday’s home game against Washington.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said Matthews “is doing better,” but did not provide further details about the injury. Another update is expected on Saturday.

Matthews last played in Toronto’s 6-3 victory at Buffalo on Friday, where he scored a goal in 19:18 of ice time, despite taking two big hits, including a cross-check from Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert.

This injury has kept Matthews out for 11 of the Maple Leafs’ 35 games this season. He missed nine games in November due to a separate upper-body issue. Berube mentioned that Matthews’ current injury is slightly related to the previous one.

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Matthews has 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) this season, ranking fourth on the team. He led the NHL with a career-high 69 goals last season and is aiming for his sixth straight 40-goal season.

The 27-year-old has scored the most goals in the NHL (379) since being drafted by Toronto in 2016.

The Maple Leafs won seven of the nine games they played without Matthews earlier this season and have a 42-22-2 all-time record when he’s absent.

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Red Wings “reset” and will introduce new leadership in their game against the Leafs

Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

The Detroit Red Wings will return from their Christmas break with a fresh start and maybe a much-needed boost of energy.

When the Red Wings play the Toronto Maple Leafs at home for the second time in two weeks on Friday, they will have a new head coach after Derek Lalonde and associate coach Bob Boughner were fired on Thursday.

Todd McLellan, who was let go by the Los Angeles Kings last season, will return to an NHL bench as Detroit’s new head coach. McLellan has 16 years of experience coaching in the NHL.

The Red Wings, currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, had lost three straight games, including a 4-0 home loss to St. Louis on Monday, which led to boos from the crowd.

“We’ve got to show up to play and we don’t have enough guys doing that right now, myself included,” said team captain Dylan Larkin, asking for better effort before the coaching change. “We have to be ready to compete and we’re not doing that. I never really think our work ethic is poor. We have a bunch of guys who work hard. But we’re working hard and not accomplishing anything.”

The Red Wings have three more home games left before the new year, completing a stretch where seven out of eight games are played in their home arena.

“Reset and get away, get time to spend with your families and try to come back refreshed,” Larkin said. “It’s been difficult to come to the rink and continue to build yourself up and then have games and performances like (Monday). Get away, spend time with your family and when we come back, we have to push before another break (in February).

“It’s a lot of games and we have to get something going. I hope the guys take advantage of the rest.”

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

The Red Wings were missing two of their best defensemen, Simon Edvinsson and Ben Chiarot, who were out with upper body injuries during the loss to the Blues. On top of that, the Red Wings have struggled with offense, scoring one goal or none in 11 games this season.

Despite these struggles, the Red Wings played one of their better games of the season against the Maple Leafs on Dec. 14, winning 4-2. Jeff Petry scored the game-winning goal early in the third period.

The Maple Leafs also had some trouble before their break after a three-game winning streak. They lost 6-3 to the New York Islanders on Saturday and 5-2 to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. Toronto allowed three third-period goals to the Jets, all scored by Mark Scheifele.

Toronto is still only two points behind Florida for first place in the Atlantic Division.

“I think the team has played some really good hockey, done a lot of good things,” said Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube. “Made a lot of strides in the right direction and we will again. These last few games, we’ve slipped.”

Having top scorer Auston Matthews back would be a big help, but it’s unclear when that will happen. Matthews has missed the last two games with an upper body injury.

So far this season, Matthews has missed 11 games, and the Leafs have a 7-4 record in those games.

John Tavares scored both of Toronto’s goals on Monday and has five goals and six assists in his last seven games. Mitch Marner has recorded at least one assist in the last six games.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Red Wings Defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 as Petry Scores, Husso Shines, and Resilience Prevails

Red Wings Defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 as Petry Scores, Husso Shines, and Resilience Prevails
Red Wings Defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 as Petry Scores, Husso Shines, and Resilience Prevails

The Detroit Red Wings secured a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena, led by Jeff Petry’s first goal of the season. Michael Rasmussen, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Red Wings, with Ville Husso making 23 saves. This win snapped a tough stretch for Detroit (12-14-4), which had lost six of its last seven games. Coach Derek Lalonde emphasized the importance of the win, especially against a strong Toronto team that played well despite the loss.

The Maple Leafs (18-10-2) got two assists from Mitch Marner and a goal from Auston Matthews, marking his 50th of the 2024 season, an impressive feat for the fourth straight calendar year. Matthews’ power-play goal in the second period tied the game at 1-1, showcasing his elite finishing skills off a well-placed pass from Marner. Despite their offensive efforts, the Maple Leafs were stifled by Detroit’s shot-blocking and transition plays. Toronto’s goaltender Joseph Woll made 22 saves and lamented the one-goal margin, noting he wished he could have done more in key moments.

Red Wings Defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 as Petry Scores, Husso Shines, and Resilience Prevails
Red Wings Defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 as Petry Scores, Husso Shines, and Resilience Prevails

Detroit built momentum with contributions from its defensemen, as Rasmussen scored early, and Seider’s late second-period goal gave them a 2-1 lead after a crucial turnover by Matthews. The third period saw Matthew Knies briefly equalize for Toronto before Petry’s decisive rebound goal put the Red Wings back on top. Detroit’s quick response to Toronto’s goals was a significant factor, with Petry describing the effect as deflating for the opposition and energizing for his team.

Ville Husso delivered a clutch performance, including a crucial breakaway save against Marner in the third period. Lucas Raymond sealed the game with an empty-netter in the final seconds, capping off the 4-2 win. The Red Wings’ defensive tenacity and opportunistic scoring proved too much for Toronto, even as the Maple Leafs generated plenty of offensive chances. The intense atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena underscored the competitive nature of the matchup.

The Maple Leafs face a tight turnaround with a back-to-back game against the Buffalo Sabres, requiring quick recovery after their hard-fought battle in Detroit. Knies reflected on the challenges of the schedule, emphasizing the need for immediate recovery to prepare for the next game. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but Detroit’s ability to capitalize on key moments ultimately earned them a much-needed win.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

William Nylander scores two goals as the Leafs defeat the Stars

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

William Nylander scored two goals, and Joseph Woll made 38 saves to help the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Dallas Stars 5-3 on Wednesday.

Nicholas Robertson, who had a goal and an assist, played against his brother Jason, with their parents watching the game.

Max Domi and Bobby McMann also scored for the Maple Leafs, who won four out of their last five games, even though they were outshot 41-19.

Evgenii Dadonov had a goal and an assist for the Stars, while Sam Steel and Colin Blackwell also scored. The Stars have lost seven straight games to Toronto.

Jake Oettinger allowed four goals on 12 shots and was replaced by Casey DeSmith, who made six saves in the third period.

Nylander scored his first goal when he received a pass from Auston Matthews and lifted the puck over Oettinger’s glove to tie the game 2-2 at 5:15 of the second period.

Robertson then scored 16 seconds later, getting the puck in the high slot and shooting it past Oettinger.

McMann extended Toronto’s lead to 4-2 with a shot that went under Oettinger’s arm at 11:01 of the second.

Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars (NHL)

Blackwell cut the deficit to 4-3 with 2:16 left in the third, but Nylander sealed the win with his 20th goal just 33 seconds later.

Steel opened the scoring at 5:14 of the first period when he fought off Matthews and tucked the puck under the crossbar. It was Steel’s fourth goal of the season and second in his last five games.

Domi quickly tied it up 59 seconds later with a wrist shot from the right circle that went in under the top left corner.

Dadonov gave the Stars a 2-1 lead just 22 seconds into the second period, using Morgan Rielly as a screen to beat Woll.

David Kampf, who returned after missing 12 games due to a lower-body injury, won eight of 11 faceoffs.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Tavares’ Hat Trick Scores Maple Leafs a 5-3 Comeback Win, Extends Sabres’ Losing Streak

Tavares’ Hat Trick Scores Maple Leafs a 5-3 Comeback Win, Extends Sabres’ Losing Streak
Tavares’ Hat Trick Scores Maple Leafs a 5-3 Comeback Win, Extends Sabres’ Losing Streak

The Toronto Maple Leafs triumphed over the Buffalo Sabres in a 5-3 victory at Scotiabank Arena, led by John Tavares’ 14th NHL hat trick. The win marked the Sabres’ 10th consecutive loss, extending their difficult streak to 0-7-3. Tavares praised his linemates Dennis Hildeby, Max Domi, Nicholas Robertson, and Bobby McMann, who contributed significantly to the game’s turnaround. Tavares emphasized the importance of their impact throughout the night as they played a critical role in regaining momentum for the Maple Leafs.

Domi and Robertson each recorded a goal and an assist, while McMann contributed two assists for the Maple Leafs, who improved to 19-10-2 this season. Toronto coach Craig Berube commended their line for its physicality, tenacity, and ability to dominate puck battles, particularly when the team needed it most. Hildeby also delivered a solid performance in his third NHL start, making 24 saves and showcasing resilience after a previous loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Tavares’ Hat Trick Scores Maple Leafs a 5-3 Comeback Win, Extends Sabres’ Losing Streak
Tavares’ Hat Trick Scores Maple Leafs a 5-3 Comeback Win, Extends Sabres’ Losing Streak

The game saw Buffalo’s Jack Quinn shine early, scoring twice and providing the Sabres with a 3-1 lead midway through the second period. However, the Maple Leafs quickly turned the tide with a three-goal surge in just over two minutes. Robertson’s one-timer initiated the comeback, followed by Tavares scoring twice in quick succession—once deflecting Auston Matthews’ shot and again with a high wrist shot to the blocker side. Tavares sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minutes, achieving his natural hat trick and 15th goal of the season.

Despite the loss, Buffalo’s Jack Quinn reflected positively on his performance, noting increased confidence after his opening goal. Alex Tuch contributed a second goal early in the first period, but the Sabres could not maintain their early dominance. Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff took responsibility for the ongoing losing streak, acknowledging the need to find solutions and better position the team to secure a win.

The victory underscored Toronto’s depth, as contributions from Domi, Robertson, and McMann added critical support to Tavares’ standout night. The Maple Leafs demonstrated resilience and adaptability in overcoming an early deficit. Meanwhile, the Sabres continued to struggle with consistency and execution, leaving the team searching for answers as their losing streak persists.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Stars aim to extend their home success against the Maple Leafs

Dallas Stars (NHL)

The Dallas Stars are looking to keep their home success going on Wednesday when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Monday, the Stars won 3-1 against the Washington Capitals, improving to a 3-1-0 record on their six-game homestand and 13-3-0 at American Airlines Center this season.

Roope Hintz, with two goals, and Jason Robertson, who had two assists, had strong performances in the game. Rookie Lian Bichsel added to the success by scoring a goal for the second time in three games. He became only the second defenseman in franchise history to score twice in his first three NHL games, joining Derian Hatcher from 1991-92.

“It’s not an easy job out there. I’m just getting into the league, but I think I’m doing a good job keeping it simple and helping the team,” said the 20-year-old Bichsel. “I’m fighting for a job here and doing all I can here to make their decision hard. Every day is a new opportunity for me, and every day I have to show them that I’m worth playing here.”

Bichsel was called up from the AHL’s Texas Stars to fill in for the injured Matt Dumba (upper body) and Nils Lundkvist (illness). Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 231 pounds, Bichsel has used his size and physicality to make an impact, registering 12 hits in three games, including one that sent Blues captain Brayden Schenn into the Stars’ bench.

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

“When you’re a young guy and come in that situation like this, you don’t have to score every night,” said Dallas head coach Peter DeBoer. “You have to make an impression and get the coaches’ trust.”

Jake Oettinger made 25 saves in his sixth straight start, with backup Casey DeSmith out sick. Oettinger has a 12-2-0 record with a 1.92 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage at home, compared to a 4-5-0 record with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage on the road.

The Stars’ penalty kill also continued its strong play, shutting down all four of Washington’s power plays to remain perfect on the homestand.

The Maple Leafs won 5-3 against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, scoring four unanswered goals. Veteran John Tavares sealed the win with a natural hat trick.

“I’m just playing,” said the 34-year-old Tavares. “I think I’ve got a lot of belief in my game and what I can do, whether that is scoring or just making an impact all over the ice. So just continue to help this team as best I can. My whole life I’ve been able to produce offensively, score goals, and just want to continue to do that when those chances present themselves.”

Nicholas Robertson, who had just two points (both goals) in his previous 23 games, added a goal and an assist against the Sabres to double his point total for the season. The Robertson brothers, Nicholas (23) and Jason (25), will face each other on the ice Wednesday.

Toronto is still without its top goalie, Anthony Stolarz, who will miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery.

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Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is scheduled for knee surgery and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz in the 2nd period

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz will have knee surgery and will be out for four to six weeks, according to general manager Brad Treliving on Tuesday.

Stolarz left the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 win against Anaheim on Thursday after sustaining a lower-body injury. He was seen stretching his right leg after allowing Anaheim’s first goal during the game.

Treliving explained that an MRI showed no serious damage, but Stolarz was experiencing discomfort and trouble straightening his leg because of a loose body—a small fragment of bone or cartilage.

“There was found almost like a little pebble that was stuck in behind his knee,” Treliving said.

Stolarz is scheduled to have the procedure to remove the loose piece on Wednesday in New York.

Anthony Stolarz makes a save in the 1st period

The 30-year-old goaltender had been performing well in his first season with the Maple Leafs, holding a 9-5-2 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage, and one shutout.

“You don’t want to see anybody out, especially a goaltender that’s been playing well like that,” Treliving said. “But it has to get addressed, and we’re going to get it addressed.”

Stolarz, originally from Edison, New Jersey, signed a two-year, $5 million contract with Toronto after winning the Stanley Cup as a backup with the Florida Panthers. He has shared goaltending duties with Joseph Woll this season.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 4-2 with Petry’s Two Goals and Husso’s Strong Performance

Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 4-2 with Petry’s Two Goals and Husso’s Strong Performance
Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 4-2 with Petry’s Two Goals and Husso’s Strong Performance

The Detroit Red Wings delivered one of their most thrilling and energetic performances of the season, defeating their Original Six and Atlantic Division rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-2. The lively atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena, fueled by a strong presence of Leafs fans, seemed to bring out the best in the Wings. Detroit played with a lead for much of the game, with defenseman Jeff Petry contributing two goals. Petry emphasized the importance of this win, noting how the Wings had recently been on the losing end of close games they felt they played well enough to win.

In net, Ville Husso got the start due to Cam Talbot being unavailable after re-aggravating a lower-body injury. With Alex Lyon also sidelined, Husso took advantage of the opportunity, finishing with 23 saves and earning his first NHL win since December 12, 2023. Husso made several key stops, including a breakaway denial on Mitch Marner in the third period. The Wings were also without Marco Kasper, who was sick, leading to adjustments in their lineup. Despite these challenges, the team displayed great resilience and cohesion throughout the game.

Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 4-2 with Petry’s Two Goals and Husso’s Strong Performance
Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 4-2 with Petry’s Two Goals and Husso’s Strong Performance

The game began with the Wings quickly generating energy and earning a power play in the opening minute. They capitalized on this opportunity when Petry’s shot from the blue line found its way past Toronto’s goaltender, Joseph Woll, with the help of a screen from Michael Rasmussen. Toronto thought they had tied the game when Mitch Marner scored, but a successful offside challenge by Detroit kept their 1-0 lead intact. The atmosphere was electric, with both fanbases loudly supporting their teams, and the energy remained high throughout the game, even as the Leafs increased pressure in the second period.

Toronto managed to tie the game at 1-1 midway through the second period with a power-play goal from Auston Matthews, assisted by Marner. However, the Wings quickly regained the lead before the period ended, thanks to a shot from Moritz Seider, which was set up by Patrick Kane and Andrew Copp. The Wings were assertive in their play, with Kane especially contributing to the offensive chances. Seider’s goal, which came with just 17.8 seconds remaining in the second period, gave Detroit a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.

In the third period, the Wings held onto their lead, with Husso continuing to make crucial saves. Lucas Raymond sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final moments, making it 4-2. Husso praised the atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena, calling it “unreal” and acknowledging the strong support from the fans. This win was particularly significant for the Wings, not just for the result but for the way they responded to recent losses and battled through adversity to secure the victory. With this win, Detroit began a stretch of seven of eight games at home, setting a positive tone for the upcoming matches.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Jeff Petry scores first two goals of the season as Wings defeat Leafs 4-2

Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs

Jeff Petry scored his first two goals of the season as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 on Saturday night.

Petry hadn’t scored since April 11 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, goaltender Ville Husso earned his first win in over a year. Husso, who made 23 saves, had a record of 0-4-2 this season before Saturday’s game.

Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Red Wings, who won just their second game in the past eight. Raymond added an empty-net goal for his 10th goal in his last 12 games.

Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies scored for Toronto, and Joseph Woll made 22 saves.

Both teams missed power-play chances in the first period. The Red Wings took the lead at 9:07 when Petry fired a wrist shot from the right point that went past a screened Woll. Joe Veleno and Christian Fischer assisted on the goal.

The Maple Leafs seemed to tie the game with just under seven minutes left in the first period when Mitch Marner scored. However, the Red Wings challenged the play, and the goal was ruled offside.

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Toronto scored on their second power play of the game with 8:20 left in the second period. With Jonatan Berggren in the penalty box for cross-checking, Matthews fired a slap shot from the right side past Husso. Matthews now has 18 goals in 25 career games against Detroit.

Detroit regained the lead with 17.8 seconds remaining in the second period. Andrew Copp passed across the ice to Seider, who shot the puck over Woll’s left pad. Patrick Kane also assisted on the goal.

The Maple Leafs tied the game again at 1:07 of the third period when Knies redirected a Marner shot, which went past Husso.

Petry put the Red Wings back in front 44 seconds later, scoring on a rebound from a J.T. Compher shot to make it 3-2.

Raymond sealed the win for Detroit with a goal in the final seconds.

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Returning home, frustrated Red Wings prepare to take on Maple Leafs

Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

The Detroit Red Wings are struggling to build momentum and are heading into their home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night with just one win in their last seven games.

The Red Wings ended a five-game losing streak on Monday by coming back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 in a shootout.

However, that brief spark of hope was followed by a 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, a game that was closer than the final score suggests. Scott Laughton, who scored all of the Flyers’ goals, added two empty-net goals in the last minute of the game.

“Games like this are frustrating,” said Red Wings center Dylan Larkin after his team was outshot 36-26. “It was a winnable game. There wasn’t much energy in the building the first couple periods, but we allowed the fans to get into it with chances we gave them. I don’t know why we can’t build momentum and play a consistent hockey game. We’re looking for that and it’s really frustrating right now to not have an answer for that.”

The Red Wings have struggled to win more than two games in a row since their best stretch of the season, a three-game winning streak in October.

“We gave up too much, the odd-man rushes. This will be a different approach going into Saturday,” said Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde. “We’ll need to correct a little more than we have. It’s about finding ways to get points on the road and flip these tight games like we did the other night.”

Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Detroit’s offense has not been strong enough to keep a winning streak going. Patrick Kane has only one goal in 17 games since October 26, and Vladimir Tarasenko has scored four goals in 28 games this season.

Saturday’s game starts a stretch where the Red Wings will play seven of their next eight games at home.

“We’ve tried a lot of different things,” said Larkin. “The guys in the room have to come together and start playing a consistent hockey game. We have a big homestand before Christmas here and hopefully we can take advantage.”

The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are competing with Florida for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has won its last two games—2-1 in overtime at New Jersey on Tuesday and 3-2 at home against Anaheim on Thursday.

However, the Maple Leafs had some bad news this week when goaltender Anthony Stolarz left Thursday’s game in the first period with a lower-body injury. He was replaced by Joseph Woll, who made 19 saves.

“It’s kind of mixed emotions,” Woll said. “Obviously, I’m sad for him. I don’t want him to get hurt. At the same time, I’ve got a job to do. I hope he’ll be alright.”

Max Pacioretty, 36, had a standout performance with two goals and an assist in the game. Pacioretty, who has scored 334 career goals, struggled last season with Washington, scoring just four goals in 47 games.

“He’s scored in this league for a number of years,” said coach Craig Berube. “He’s a 30-goal scorer, you know. He’s strong around the net and he’s got a good stick and a good shot. Plays a heavy game.”

Toronto defeated Detroit 3-1 in their first meeting on November 8, with two goals from John Tavares.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Max Pacioretty helped lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a win over the Anaheim Ducks, despite an injury to goaltender Anthony Stolarz

Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks

Max Pacioretty scored two goals and added an assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Thursday night.

William Nylander also scored, and John Tavares recorded two assists for the Maple Leafs, who won their second consecutive game.

Toronto’s goalie Anthony Stolarz played only the first period due to a lower-body injury, making seven saves on eight shots. Joseph Woll replaced him in the second period and stopped 19 shots.

For the Ducks, Jackson LaCombe had a goal and an assist, while Frank Vatrano scored, and Ryan Strome added two assists. Lukas Dostal made 30 saves for Anaheim, which lost its fifth straight game. The Ducks were playing their third game in four nights.

Toronto led 2-1 after the first period. Pacioretty scored at 6:57 with a backhand, thanks to a clever pass from Tavares. At 14:17, Nylander scored his 18th goal of the season after Pacioretty passed him the puck.

Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

Vatrano tied it up for Anaheim on a power play at 15:56 with a shot through traffic that hit the post. LaCombe made the assist from the left point, with Simon Benoit in the penalty box for holding.

Pacioretty then gave Toronto a 3-1 lead at 12:54 of the second period by tipping in Conor Timmins’ point shot. LaCombe responded just over a minute later, scoring from the slot on a pass from Strome.

In the third period, Toronto’s Auston Matthews hit the post with a shot at 9:25, and Anaheim’s Alex Killorn missed an opportunity from close range at 11:41.

The Ducks didn’t pull Dostal for an extra attacker until the final minute of the game.

Jake McCabe, who had missed five games due to an upper-body injury, returned for Toronto and had one assist. Anaheim also activated Robby Fabbri, who had been out for 13 games with a knee injury. Fabbri did not score in his return, and Sam Colangelo was sent to the AHL.