On what led to the team’s lack of jump at the start:
I don’t have that answer. I didn’t have that vibe going into it but clearly from the drop of the puck here we just didn’t have a lot of life. Then we’re down, we’re down early and it’s a tough game.
On the level of frustration after tonight’s loss on the heels of the loss in Florida:
Very frustrating. I think when you go through these types of things, such as Florida, such as this, it’s just a sign of where you are, that you’re not when you want to be. Reality checks come. I thought we were an immature team down in Florida, I thought we were an immature team here today. That’s how we’re approaching these things. We’re not performing, we’re not playing with any level of discipline or consistency. That’s what happens.
On what needs to be improved in the team’s game defensively:
We just need to recognize that it’s important. How we have to prioritize it. We need the discipline, the consistency like we’re saying. We have a great defensive game last time out, we put together a great game. The players this week I thought responded very well to the loss of Morgan Rielly. You’ve got good efforts, but it’s the discipline, it’s the consistency to be able to do it all the time and I think that’s what we’re looking for and that’s what I think is reflected in the journey of our group. It’s a test even more with the loss of Muzzin and Rielly, two workhorses on the team. It’s a reflection of where we are and how we need to get better in that and do it all the time.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN (28 SAVES)
On the group’s mindset after tonight’s loss:
I think it’s time to just look in the mirror right now for everyone here, myself included. I think it’s not a time to point fingers or anything like that. I think you’ve got to use this week to reflect and make sure we come with more intensity and more purpose when we play after the break.
On If these are issues that can be worked through:
Of course we’ve got to work through it. There’s no sense in not doing that. Obviously, we’ve got to push forward and try to be better and that goes when you play well and when you play bad.
AUSTON MATTHEWS (8 SHOT ATTEMPTS)
On the start to tonight’s game:
I think they just came out really hard, came out with a purpose and we were pretty flat. They score a goal on the first shift, so I think it just means we weren’t really ready to play.
On how the team can rediscover its consistency:
I think we just hit the reset button and have a nice week to rest, recharge. Hopefully guys that have been out with injury can get themselves back and ready to play, but there’s really no excuse for how we played tonight. It doesn’t really matter who we’re missing or what guys are out. The way we played wasn’t really good enough. I don’t really know what else to say.
JOHN TAVARES (17:56 TOI)
On how the team contributed to Chicago’s fast start:
Sloppy, missed assignments, careless with the puck. Obviously put us behind and gave them a lot of confidence and feeling good about themselves. Just not good enough.
On what Chicago did well to prevent Toronto from gaining momentum:
Yeah, they did some good things. They were well organized and made plays. They’ve got a good team, obviously a lot of very proven players and we just didn’t handle it well. We didn’t stick to what we need to do to break them down and what makes us successful. We got away from what our game plan was and got into the way they play.
Toronto: M. Marchment (3) SH (Unassisted), M. Marchment (4) (T. Moore, T. Kivihalme), M. Marchment (5) (M. Kapla, J. Lindgren) Goaltender: K. Kaskisuo (34/37)
Charlotte: M. Geekie (10) PP (J. Kuokkanen, J. Bean), J. Kuokkanen (9) PP (O. Kaski, J. Gauthier), J. Bean (7) (J. Kuokkanen) Goaltender: A. Forsberg (21/24)
ON THE SCORESHEET
Mason Marchment recorded his first career AHL hat trick with a shorthanded goal at 6:32 of the first period and goals at 3:22 and 5:47 of the third period. Marchment’s first period goal was his second career AHL shorthanded goal. He has seven points (6 goals, 1 assists) through eight career games against Charlotte. He has eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) in 13 games this season.
Trevor Moore recorded the primary assist on Marchment’s second goal of the game. Moore has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) through 22 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
Teemu Kivihalme registered the secondary assist on Marchment’s second goal of the game. He has assists (2) in consecutive games. Kivihalme has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in 34 games this season.
Michael Kapla collected the primary assist on Marchment’s third goal of the game. This was Kapla’s first point for the Marlies in two games this season.
Jesper Lindgren had the secondary assist on Marchment’s third goal of the game. Lindgren has nine points (1 goal, 8 assists) through 28 games this season.
Kasimir Kaskisuo stopped 34 of 37 shots he faced. He is now 11-5-1-1 on the season with a .911 save percentage and a 2.67 goals against average. He turned away a penalty shot at 15:31 of the second period taken by Janne Kuokkanen. This is his third successful save on a penalty shot this season.
IN THE SHOOTOUT
· Kenny Agostino – Stopped (2019-20: 1/3)
· Mason Marchment – Stopped (2019-20: 0/1)
· Trevor Moore – Stopped (2019-20: 0/1)
· Jeremy Bracco – Stopped (2019-20: 0/2)
· Nic Petan – Stopped(2019-20: 0/2)
· Kasimir Kaskisuo – 4/5(2019-20: 4/5)
OF NOTE…
Toronto last recorded a hat trick on the road on January 27, 2017 (A. Johnsson at Syracuse).
Toronto has faced four penalty shots this season, with three (Oct. 5 vs Belleville, Dec. 15 vs Rockford, Jan. 18 at Charlotte) against Kasimir Kaskisuo and one (Dec. 8 vs San Antonio) against Joseph Woll. Toronto has stopped all four attempts.
Toronto was 3-for-5 on the penalty kill and 0-for-5 on the power play.
Charlotte had a 38-24 edge in shots in all situations. Mason Marchment led the Marlies with seven shots on goal.
The Marlies are 10-6-0-1 against Central Division opponents and are 0-0-0-1 against the Charlotte Checkers.
Toronto is on their annual Boat Show road trip, returning to Coca-Cola Coliseum on January 31. Before the All-Star Break (January 26 to January 29), Toronto will face the Texas Stars, the San Antonio Rampage, the Charlotte Checkers and the Cleveland Monsters, each in two game series.
REGULAR SEASON LEADERS
Goals: K. Agostino (19)
Assists: J. Bracco (27)
Points: P. Aberg, K. Agostino (32)
PPG: N. Petan (6)
Shots: P. Aberg (103)
+/-: J. Lindgren (+10)
PIMS: G. Wilson (60)
ON THE ROAD
Toronto’s away record is 8-9-2-2 (20 points) this season. Toronto’s longest road point streak reached nine points from Oct. 11 to Nov. 2 (3-0-2-1).
The Marlies have been outscored 74-66. Pontus Aberg leads the Marlies in goals (10) and Nic Petan in assists (11) on the road.
Goaltenders Kasimir Kaskisuo (5-3-1-1) and Joseph Woll (3-5-1-1) have combined to make 626 saves.
RECORD WHEN…
Toronto is 16-3-1-2 when scoring first.
The Marlies are 9-2-1-2 when leading after the first period and 3-11-2-1 when trailing after the second period.
Toronto is 14-9-1-2 when outshot by their opponent.
The Marlies are 8-4-1-2 in Saturday games and are 2-5-0-1 in January.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
Teemu Kivihalme has assists (2) in consecutive games.
Jesper Lindgren has assists (2) in consecutive games.
Mason Marchment has points (3-1-4) in consecutive games.
MARLIES UPDATES.
Kevin Gravel (illness) did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
Ben Harpur (concussion)did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
Egor Korshkov (lower leg laceration) did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
January 17: Assigned forward Trevor Moore from Toronto (NHL) on a conditioning loan.
January 14: Ressigned defenceman Joseph Duszak by Toronto (NHL) from Newfoundland (ECHL).
January 14: Recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from loan by Toronto (NHL).
January 14: Returned forward Mason Marchment on loan from Toronto (NHL).
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH GREG MOORE
On the team’s response five-on-five: I thought, really well. We had a good process during the game. The bench stayed with it, there was some adversity through the first and second periods. We found our game in the third period, we really showed how we can play.
On special teams: I thought early on, the first couple of power plays, we just had a hard time getting through the middle of the rink. They did a good job getting up ice, disrupting our flow. Then we settled, started getting some entries and the in-zone, they did a good job of keeping us perimeter. We’ve got to find a way to get interior but you know, it was a little bit of a special teams game today. I was really happy five-on-five with how we executed and the looks that we got, really liked our o-zone and the movement that we got inside on the goalie a few times. We really gave ourselves a chance to win tonight.
On Kasimir Kaskisuo (34 saves): He had a great game, gave us a chance to win this hockey game. He looked really solid, really calm, exactly what we need.
On Mason Marchment (3 goals): He brought a lot of good energy, he loves the game, even on the bench, he’s so positive and brings a good energy. His play tonight was a whole other level that I hadn’t seen out of him and it’s really good to have guys that go up and then come back down to give them that confidence at this level and he’s showing that he can play really well at this level.
On Trevor Moore (1 assist): Shows the character of the person that he is. I’m sure he’s been working really hard to get back. It’s the times when no one’s watching and you’re by yourself on the ice and going through your protocol to return to play, he was successful in today’s game because he’s such a hard worker and disciplined in that area.
NEXT GAME:
January 19 at Charlotte – 1:00 p.m. ET January 24 at Cleveland – 7:00 p.m. ET January 25 at Cleveland – 1:00 p.m. ET January 31 vs Charlotte – 7:00 p.m. ET February 1 vs Charlotte – 4:00 p.m. ET
William Nylander put the Maple Leafs on the board with a power play goal at 0:25 of the second period. Nylander has goals (3) in three consecutive games and points (3-2-5) in four consecutive games. He has three goals in two games against the Blackhawks this season. In 10 games against Central Division teams, he has recorded 11 points (7-4-11).
Alex Kerfoot scored Toronto’s second goal of the night at 15:17 of the second period. He has two points (1-1-2) over his last four games. In 11 career games against the Blackhawks, Kerfoot has recorded 10 career points (4 goals, 6 assists), which is his highest point total against a single opponent.
Mitch Marner registered the primary assist on Nylander’s second period goal. He has three assists over his last three games played. In 23 games on home ice this season, he has recorded 29 points (3 goals, 26 assists). He has 18 points (4 goals, 14 assists) in 16 games against Western Conference opponents.
Tyson Barrie collected the secondary assist on Nylander’s second period goal and later had the secondary assist on Kerfoot’s second period goal. Barrie has assists (3) in two consecutive games and four assists over his last four games. Tonight’s game is his fifth multi-assist and eighth multi-point performance of the season. His 28 points (7 goals, 21 assists) in 31 games against Chicago mark his highest point total against a single opponent.
Pierre Engvall recorded the primary assist on Kerfoot’s second period goal. Engvall has two assists over his last three games played. In 14 games against Western Conference opposition, he has registered nine points (3-6-9).
The Maple Leafs went 1-for-1 on the penalty kill and 1-for-2 on the power play tonight.
Kasperi Kapanen and Alex Kerfoot started 20 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts, which was the lowest mark among Toronto skaters.
Martin Marincin and Auston Matthews were on the ice for a team-high 25 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Marincin finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 64.1 percent (25 for, 14 against), while Matthews had a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 54.4 percent (25 for, 21 against).
UPCOMING GAMES:
Monday, January 27, 8:00 p.m. at Nashville Predators (TSN4, TSN 1050)
Wednesday, January 29, 7:30 p.m. at Dallas Stars (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
Saturday, February 1, 7:00 p.m. vs. Ottawa Senators (Sportsnet, TSN 1050)
Monday, February 3, 7:00 p.m. vs. Florida Panthers (TSN4, FAN 590)
Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 p.m. at New York Rangers (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
Minnesota Timberwolves Crabbe, Allen Questionable Injury/Illness – Illness; Illness Layman, Jake Out Injury/Illness – Left Toe; Sprain Martin, Kelan Out G League – Two-Way Nowell, Jaylen Out G League – On Assignment Towns, Karl-Anthony Available Injury/Illness – Left Knee; Sprain Toronto Raptors Brissett, Oshae Out G League – Two-Way Hernandez, Dewan Out Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain VanVleet, Fred Questionable Injury/Illness – Right Hamstring; Strain Watson, Paul Out G League – Two-Way
RAPTOR NOTES • The Toronto Raptors play the second game of a back-to-back set Saturday night when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Toronto has won three straight meetings against the Timberwolves. The Raptors finished the first half of their season with a 27–14 record, the sixth straight season in which Toronto won 25 or more of its first 41 games. No other NBA team has done that in each of the past six seasons. The Raptors did not begin any season in that fashion before 2014–15. • The Raptors beat the Wizards 140-111 on Friday, matching the franchise record for points in a game. Toronto also scored 140 points in a double-overtime win at Washington on Jan. 13, 2019. Friday was the most points the Raptors have ever scored in regulation. • Toronto made a franchise record 22 3-point field goals Friday vs. Washington. Toronto made 22-of-43 attempts (.512) from beyond the arc. Marc Gasol scored a season-high 20 and matched his career high with six 3-pointers against the Wizards, while Norman Powell added 28 points and made four 3s. • Kyle Lowry needs just 29 assists to tie Jose Calderon (3,770) as the Raptors’ all-time leader in assists. Lowry is already the franchise leader in three-point field goals (1,316) and steals (782). Lowry has recorded 10+ assists 112 times – second most in team history behind only Calderon (141). • Kyle Lowry has dished out five or more assists in each of his 30 games this season, the longest single-season streak of that kind in his career. The only other players who had at least five assists in 30 straight games within a season for the Raptors are Damon Stoudamire (40-game streak in 1995–96) and Jose Calderon (44-game streak in 2010–11). • Pascal Siakam moved up to second among all Eastern Conference front-court players in the third fan returns of NBA All-Star voting. Siakam is looking to become the seventh player in franchise history to earn an All-Star selection, joining Vince Carter (5X), Chris Bosh (5X), Kyle Lowry (5X), DeMar DeRozan (4X), Kawhi Leonard and Antonio Davis. The Raptors have had one player selected as a starter for the All-Star Game each of the past five seasons; Leonard – 2019, DeRozan – 2018, 2017 and Lowry – 2016, 2015. • The Raptors matched their season-high with 16 steals Friday night vs. Washington. Toronto forced the Wizards into an opponent season-high 28 turnovers which led to 30 points. The Raptors have 29 steals over the past two games (Jan. 15-17) and currently rank fifth in the NBA in steals per game (8.5). • Toronto outscored Washington 34-19 in fast-break points Friday, including 16-2 in the first quarter. The Raptors are averaging 17.9 fast break points this season, third-best in the NBA. • Norman Powell has three consecutive 20-point performances (Jan. 12-17) since returning from a left shoulder injury. Powell is averaging 23.7 points and is shooting .643 (27-42) from the floor and .550 (11-20) from three-point range during this stretch. • Rookie Terence Davis ll tied a career high with 23 points in 24 minutes off the bench Jan. 17 vs. Washington. Davis is shooting .403 (54-134) from beyond the arc this season, which ranks fifth among NBA rookies. Davis II currently leads all rookies in +/- rating (+219).
• Tallied 12 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes Jan. 17 vs. Washington. • Ranks 15th in the NBA in scoring (24.2) and sixth in minutes per game (35.8). • Has scored 30+ points 10 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Contributed 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds in 26 minutes Jan. 17 vs. Washington. • Averaging 17.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 31.7 minutes in 14 games as a starter. • Shooting .544 (56-103) from the field and .471 (8-17) from three-point range through seven games in January.
• Scored a season-high 20 points and tied a career high with six made threes Jan. 17 vs. Washington. • Averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 30.3 minutes in two games (Jan. 15-17) since returning to the lineup. • Missed 12 games (Dec. 20 – Jan. 12) due to a left hamstring strain injury sustained Dec. 18 at Detroit.
• Finished with 18 points, six rebounds and four steals in 26 minutes Jan. 17 vs. Washington.
• Toronto is 18-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Shooting a career-best .504 (183-363) from the field, including .535 (38-71) through seven games in January.
• Recorded 11 points, a team-high eight assists and three rebounds in 22 minutes Jan. 17 vs. Washington. • Ranks sixth in the NBA in assist per game (7.8); averaging 10.0 assists over the last five games (Jan. 7-17). • Has made at least two three-pointers in 17 straight games (Dec. 14 – Jan. 17); totaled 56 threes during this span.
INJURY REPORT Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Fred VanVleet (Right hamstring; strain) – Questionable
Timberwolves Last Game Starters: Pos. No. Player Ht. Wt. 2019-20 Averages F – 22 Andrew Wiggins 6-8 194 22.7 pts (43.9%), 4.9 reb, 3.3 ast F – 33 Robert Covington 6-8 211 13.2 pts (43.6%), 5.9 reb, 1.2 ast C – 32 Karl-Anthony Towns 7-0 248 26.5 pts (50.9%), 11.4 reb, 4.3 ast G – 23 Jarrett Culver 6-7 195 9.5 pts (39.4%), 3.7 reb, 2.0 ast G – 13 Shabazz Napier 6-1 175 9.5 pts (38.7%), 2.5 reb, 4.5 ast Status Report: Guard Allen Crabbe: Is listed as questionable with an illness. Forward Jake Layman: Has missed the last 27 games with a left toe sprain. He is listed as out for tonight’s game against the Raptors. Recent Transactions: Jan 16: Acquired guard Allen Crabbe from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guards Treveon Graham and Jeff Teague. Jan. 3: Assigned guard Jaylen Nowell to Iowa (G League). Jan. 1: Recalled guard Jaylen Nowell from Iowa (G League). Dec. 30: Recalled center Naz Reid from Iowa (G League). Dec. 27: Assigned guard Jaylen Nowell and center Naz Reid to Iowa (G League). Dec. 23: Recalled center Naz Reid and transferred two-way players Kelan Martin and Jordan McLaughlin from Iowa (G League). Dec. 20: Recalled guard Jaylen Nowell from Iowa (G League). Dec. 17: Assigned guard Jaylen Nowell and center Naz Reid and transferred two-way player Kelan Martin to Iowa (G League). Dec. 16: Recalled guard Jaylen Nowell and center Naz Reid and transferred two-way player Kelan Martin from Iowa (G League). Dec. 12: Assigned center Naz Reid to Iowa (G League)
SCOTIABANK ARENA (TORONTO, ON) â–ª TV: SPORTSNET/HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA â–ª
RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus CHICAGO
ALL-TIME RECORD:
289-264-96-3 (652 Games)
ALL-TIME AT HOME:
167-101-54-2 (324 Games)
2019-20:
0-1-0
LAST FIVE:
3-2-0
LAST 10:
3-5-2
MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus CHICAGO
GAMES PLAYED:
Tyson Barrie (30), Jason Spezza (25), Jake Muzzin (20)
GOALS:
John Tavares (8), Tyson Barrie (7), Auston Matthews (5), William Nylander (5)
ASSISTS:
Tyson Barrie (19), Jason Spezza (14), Auston Matthews (9)
POINTS:
Tyson Barrie (26), Jason Spezza (18), John Tavares (16)
PENALTY MINUTES:
John Tavares (18), Tyson Barrie (12), Jake Muzzin (10)
MAPLE LEAFS – BLACKHAWKS TEAM STATS
TORONTO
CHICAGO
GOALS FOR (Rank):
173 (t-1st)
139 (20th)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):
155 (26th)
149 (t-16th)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):
32/133 [24.1%] (6th)
23/147 [15.7%] (27th)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):
105/138 [76.1%] (25th)
117/141 [83.0%] (t-7th)
SHOTS (Rank):
1617 (4th)
1479 (18th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):
2431 (3rd)
2171 (13th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):
52.7% (6th)
48.3% (23rd)
FACEOFF % (Rank):
52.8% (3rd)
50.0% (t-16th)
MAPLE LEAFS – BLACKHAWKS NOTES
FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN CLUBS:
Nov. 17, 1926 at Chicago (Blackhawks 4, Maple Leafs 1)
ALL-TIME RECORD:
289-264-96-3 (652 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD AT HOME:
167-101-54-2 (324 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD ON THE ROAD:
122-163-42-1 (328 Games)
LAST WIN VS. OPPONENT AT HOME:
Oct. 9, 2017 (Toronto 4, Chicago 3 OT)
MAPLE LEAFS MILESTONES vs. BLACKHAWKS
Tyson Barrie
First career NHL game (Feb. 7, 2012 (COL) vs. CHI) 200th career NHL point (Oct. 28, 2017 (COL) vs. CHI)
Justin Holl
Selected by Chicago in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft.
Michael Hutchinson
First career NHL shutout (Nov. 2, 2014 (WPG) at CHI)
Auston Matthews
200th career NHL game (Mar. 13, 2019 vs. CHI)
Jake Muzzin
400th career NHL game (Dec. 3, 2017 (LAK) at CHI)
William Nylander
100th career NHL game (Mar. 13, 2019 vs. CHI)
Morgan Rielly
300th career NHL game (Mar. 18, 2017 vs. CHI)
MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS
CATEGORY
LEADER
GOALS
34 (Matthews)
ASSISTS
33 (Marner)
POINTS
57 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS
17 (Matthews)
SHORTHANDED POINTS
2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs
34 (Muzzin)
SHOTS
188 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%
58.4% (Gauthier)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %
55.6% (Matthews)
BLOCKED SHOTS
72 (Ceci)
TAKEAWAYS
52 (Matthews)
HITS
87 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME
24:15 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME
3:12 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME
2:57 (Ceci)
MAPLE LEAFS PLAYER NOTES
Frederik Andersen
– Is 10-4-6 at home this season with a 3.03 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. – Has made nine career appearances against the Blackhawks and is 3-2-3 with a 3.03 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.- Tied for second in the NHL in wins (22).- Third in the NHL in total saves (1,066) and second in even-strength saves (902).
Tyson Barrie
– Has four multi-assist games, which is tied for 13th-most among NHL defencemen.- Tied for 11th among NHL defencemen in multi-point games (7) – One of 18 NHL defencemen to have recorded at least 115 shots on goal. Is tied for ninth among defencemen in shots (126).- Has 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists) in 30 career games against Chicago, which is his highest point total against a single opponent.
Cody Ceci
– Tied for 13th among NHL skaters in shorthanded time on ice (141:29).- Has played 61.3 percent of Toronto’s shorthanded ice time, which is the 15th-highest shorthanded time on ice percentage among NHLers who have appeared in at least 30 games.
Pierre Engvall
– Second among NHL rookies who have appeared in at least 20 games in goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time (1.08).- Fifth among NHL rookie forwards in shorthanded time on ice (31:26).
Justin Holl
– Has started 45.1 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which is the lowest mark among Toronto defencemen who have appeared in at least 20 games.- Has an unblocked shot attempt percentage of 52.7 percent at 5-on-5, which is the third-highest percentage among Toronto defencemen who have appeared in at least 20 games.- Has a 5-on-5 on-ice goals-for percentage of 53.7 percent, which is the highest percentage among Maple Leafs defencemen who have appeared in at least 20 games.
Michael Hutchinson
– Has a 2-1-1 record with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage on home ice this season.
Zach Hyman
– Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 54.9 percent, which is fourth among Toronto skaters who have played 20 games.- Has an on-ice goals for percentage of 57.7 percent at 5-on-5, which is third highest among Toronto skaters who have played 20 games. – Averaging 15:17 per game in 5-on-5 ice time, which ranks seventh among Maple Leafs.
Kasperi Kapanen
– Fifth among Maple Leafs in points (2-7-9; 10 GP) since the Christmas break.- Has scored 10 goals this season, which is tied for 12th-most among NHLers with no power play goals.- Fifth among Toronto skaters in even-strength points (8-15-23).
Alex Kerfoot
– Tied for eighth among Maple Leafs in even-strength goals (6). – 10th among Maple Leafs in even-strength points (6-9-15).- Only Toronto forward to have recorded at least 25 hits (36) and 25 blocked shots (29) this season.
Mitch Marner
– Has nine multi-assist games, which is tied for the seventh-most among NHL skaters.- Averaging 1.24 points per game, which is the 11th-highest average among NHLers who have played in at least 30 games.- Averaging 1.38 primary assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which is fourth among NHLers who have appeared in at least 30 games.- 12th in the NHL in primary assists (21). His 21 primary assists are tied for the most among NHLers who have appeared in fewer than 40 games.- 15th among NHL forwards in shifts per game (24.9).
Auston Matthews
– Second among NHL skaters in goals (34).- First NHLer to score 20 even-strength goals this season. Currently leads the League with 25 even-strength goals.- Leads the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (21) and is the only player in the NHL with at least 20 goals at 5-on-5.- Leads the NHL in multi-goal games (9).- Tied for ninth among NHL skaters in even-strength points (25-15-40).- Fifth in the NHL with 188 shots on goal. – Established a new career-high for assists in a game (4) on November 10 at Chicago.
William Nylander
– Averages 1.21 goals per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks second among Toronto skaters and is tied for 16th among NHL skaters who have appeared in 40 games.- One of eight NHLers to average at least 14:00 minutes per game at 5-on-5 (14:28) while maintaining a goal per 60-minute rate of at least 1.20 (1.21).- Had a pair of goals against Chicago on November 10.
Jason Spezza
– Averaging 2.14 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which is the sixth-highest average among Toronto skaters who have appeared in at least 20 games.- Averaging 1.25 assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which ranks third among Maple Leafs who have appeared in at least 20 games.
John Tavares
– Played 26:23 on January 16 vs. Calgary, which is his second-highest single-game ice time in his career (April 11, 2010 – NYI vs. PIT: 26:46)- Tied for 17th among NHL skaters in multi-point games (13).- Tied for 18th among NHLers in even-strength goals (15). His 15 even-strength goals rank second-most among NHLers who have appeared in 45 or fewer games.- Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 54.8 percent, which is tied for 18th among NHL centres who have appeared in 30 games.- Averaging 17.52 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which is the fourth-highest average among NHL centres who have appeared in 30 games.- Averaging 9.22 shots on goal at 5-on-5 per 60 minutes of ice time, which is ninth among NHL centres who have appeared in 30 games.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
William Nylander
Has goals (2) in two consecutive games and points (2-2-4) in three consecutive games.
John Tavares
Has assists (2) in two consecutive games and points (2-3-5) in three consecutive games.
UPCOMING MILESTONES
Jason Spezza
Five assists from 600 assists
RECENT MILESTONES
Alex Kerfoot
200th NHL game (January 16 vs. Calgary)
Jason Spezza
1,100th NHL game (January 14 vs. New Jersey)
INJURY REPORT
Ilya Mikheyev (Wrist Laceration)
On injured reserve.
Trevor Moore (Concussion)
On injured reserve.
Jake Muzzin (Foot)
On injured reserve.
Morgan Rielly (Foot)
On injured reserve.
Man Games Lost: 115
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
January 17
Assigned forward Trevor Moore to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on a conditioning loan.
January 14
Recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Loaned forward Mason Marchment to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 13
Recalled defenceman Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Placed defenceman Morgan Rielly on injured reserve.
January 12
Activated forward Andreas Johnsson from injured reserve. Placed defenceman Jake Muzzin on injured reserve.
BLACKHAWKS NOTES
THE DOM-INATOR: Dominik Kubalik scored a goal (7G) in five consecutive games from Jan. 5-14, becoming the first Blackhawks rookie to score in five consecutive games since Jeremy Roenick (Jan. 27-Feb. 10, 1990) … Five straight contests with a goal shares the second-longest rookie goal scoring streak in franchise history … He also recorded a career-long point streak of six games (7G, 3A) from Jan. 2-14 … Kubalik is the 17th different NHL rookie in league history born outside of North America to record a goal streak of five or more games … Kubalik recorded back-to-back multiple goal outings for the first time in his career on Jan. 11 and 14 … Artemi Panarin was the last Blackhawks rookie to score multiple goals in two consecutive games (2015-16) … Brock Boeser was the last NHL rookie to score multiple goals in back-to-back games (Nov 21-22, 2017) … His 18 markers are the most goals recorded by an NHL rookie this season … The last Blackhawks rookie to lead all NHL rookies in goals was Panarin during the 2015-2016 season.
CAPTAIN CLUTCH: Jonathan Toews scored his team-leading third overtime goal of the season on Tuesday … His 12 overtime markers are the most in the league since the NHL introduced the 3-on-3 overtime format ahead of the 2015-16 season … He added two assists in the Blackhawks win over Ottawa … Toews registered an assist against the Canadiens on Wednesday to extend his point streak (2G, 6A) to four games … He recorded three multi-point games in a row (Jan. 9-14) for the first time since Dec. 31-Jan. 5 during the 2017-18 campaign.
KANE YOU DIG IT: Patrick Kane is in the midst of an eight-game point streak (4G, 9A) and is now two points away from 1,000 career points … The Buffalo, NY native will become the 90th NHL player to reach 1,000 points and the fourth Blackhawks player to reach the mark … He will be the seventh active player to tally 1,000 points and the 55th player in NHL history to record 1,000 points before his 1,000th game … The forward ranks in the top 10 in the NHL in points (60, 9th), goals (24, T-9th) and assists (36, T-8th) … Kane has totaled 24 points (10G, 14A) over his last 16 games.
ROAD WARRIORS: With their victory in Montreal on Jan. 15, Chicago has won six of their last seven games away from the United Center … Since Nov. 8, the Blackhawks share the National Hockey League lead with 10 victories and 22 points on the road.
SHORTHANDED SUCCESS: The Blackhawks killed off all three MTL power plays on Wednesday and have killed off their last 14 PK chances, including killing off two five-on-three power plays against the Flames on Jan. 7, the first time Chicago has killed off two fiveon-three disadvantages in a single game since Oct. 21, 2017 at Arizona … Since Dec. 5, the Blackhawks rank second in the National Hockey League in PK% (87.7), trailing TBL (89.7%) … For the season, Chicago shares seventh (83.0%) in the league in PK%, which would be their highest PK% since the 2014-15 season (83.4%).
UPCOMING MILESTONES – Kane needs 2 points for 1,000 career – Keith needs 1 goal for 100 career, 1 point to tie for 10th in franchise history, 4 assists for 500 career and 5 points for 600 career – Smith needs 2 goals for 100 career – Strome needs 3 points for 100 career – Toews needs 6 points for 800 career
(13-28) WASHINGTON WIZARDS, 111 VS. (27-14) TORONTO RAPTORS, 140 SCOTIABANK ARENA FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020
TORONTO RAPTORS QUOTES
NICK NURSE (HEAD COACH)
On it being fun to watch a game with 35 assists and 140 points… Yeah, most of it was and I think even the bigger maybe number is creating 28 turnovers. I thought we were out guarding right from the start and disrupting their rhythm, jarring the ball loose. Our hands have been pretty good lately and getting us out running. I think the pace certainly helps us and obviously the passing and the shooting were good too.
On it being easier to get threes when the ball is moving like tonight… Well it is good when we play that way. I think that it is good to look down and see a number of guys in double figures and we had a bunch of guys shooting some high percentages. You know ebbs and flows; we have certainly had our one-for-nines and two-for-12s and it’s nice to get a couple six-for-sevens and five-for-sevens in there.
On OG Anunoby being back in a simplified role… I think there is always a couple of ways to look at this and I think different players react differently. When sometimes you look over there and you know that you are going to not come out, I have had those discussions with Norm (Powell) a few times, Norm would be like two-for-eight and I would be like, Norm I can’t take you out so could you make a couple here in the fourth quarter and he would or whatever. Some guys, maybe when they know that they have got to play well or there is going to be somebody else over that is healthy to come in and play, some guys react to that a little better. I can’t explain it, what I do like is he has had to guard smaller guys here the last couple of nights and he has really got out there and worked on his man, but his hands have been great. He is really been in the lane off his man tipping a bunch away to get us going and he has been out on the front of the break a little bit.
NORMAN POWELL (28 points, five rebounds)
On having time off and having fresh legs… I think it was good to be able to work with the injury. I was able to be on the court fairly quickly. They cleared me to be able to just start shooting and things like that. Working a lot with Pat Mutombo and we were trying to simulate game situations, game speed, a lot of conditioning, a lot of running just to keep myself adjusted to the pace of the game, and I think that really helped.
What has clicked offensively for the team the past couple of games? I think we are trusting one another, we are moving the ball. We are letting the offence work for us and I think the defence is really feeding the offence, able to get out there in transition and create easy looks, having the defence scrambling to get back and catch up and being able to kick out and continues to have them rotate.
Thoughts on the first half of the season… I think it has been really good. In a NBA season you never really know what’s going to happen, there are a lot of variables, but I think this team has done a great job of taking it on the chin, adjusting to it with the injuries and things like that and taking advantage of the opportunity. Playing together, playing hard and trusting the coaches, trusting one another and I think that’s what you need as a team going through an 82 game season. A lot of things are going to happen, but as long as we trust in one another, we figure it out along the way we will be good and I think we’ve done that really well.
MARC GASOL (20 points, six rebounds, five assists)
On the time off being a benefit in many ways… You always think positively on whatever happens to you. Obviously sitting for a few weeks kind of makes you itch a little bit and makes you want to really play and get back and help your team win.
What has clicked for the team offence the past couple of games? I think defensively that’s what has clicked. Defensively we create a lot of turnovers that allows us to run and create easy buckets and that kind of creates that momentum for us where it’s communicating, being unselfish, moving the ball. I think it starts defensively for us and that consistency and that trust allows us to run and you are not afraid of getting the ball go through your hands because you are going to get it back.
KYLE LOWRY (11 points, assists)
On teams offence the past few games… Just getting a rhythm, getting guys back. Marc (Gasol) helps tremendously, honestly. Pascal (Siakim) helps and putting guys back in their right spots and just being able to take advantage more of the mismatches,and being able to play through Marc a lot more.
On the team’s performance at the halfway mark of the season… All this stuff doesn’t matter. We wait until we get to the part of April, May, June. That’s what we play for, but right now we are just going to continue to get better and work.
(13-28) WASHINGTON WIZARDS, 111 VS. (27-14) TORONTO RAPTORS, 140 SCOTIABANK ARENA FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020
WASHINGTON WIZARDS QUOTES
SCOTT BROOKS (HEAD COACH)
On the 28 turnovers… That’s a physical ball team. That’s a team that has a lot of length, a lot of strength and they got into us. We started the game off with turnovers and a lot of them were uncharacteristic ones, but some of them were because they are a good defensive team. They’re an experienced team, they are long, they are tough and they were clicking. We played a championship team tonight that was clicking on all cylinders and when that happens everything seems to fall. I thought they made a couple of tough threes that went their way. Like I said, that’s a good team. We didn’t play well, we turned the ball over.
On the Raptors disrupting the offensive flow… They took us out of our offence. We’ve been really good at moving the ball and flying around, moving our bodies and they were physical. They were physical right from the start. A simple exchange, a simple movement they were touching us up. We’ve got to be able to fight through that and we didn’t do a good job with that tonight. Like I said, give them credit. That’s what they do and they did it at a high, high level tonight.
On Isaac Bonga’s career night… It’s good to see his growth. He continues to just get a little better every day and that’s what we want all of our guys to do. Tonight was his night to grow up a little bit and I thought he did, on both ends of the court, he was competing and he made plays. The growth chart sometimes is not as fast as we want but I like it to always move it the right direction, and with Bonga it definitely has from the moment we got him, he’s gotten much better.
TROY BROWN JR. (22 points, eight rebounds, three steals)
What do you think led Toronto to score a season high tonight? A lot of things; transition points, turnovers, they were hitting a lot of threes. It was just a mix of stuff and we didn’t do a good job of coming out and executing the game plan and just … the effort today was low. Like I said, I didn’t feel like we came out and did a good job.
At the midway point of the season, where would you say this team is? We’re still developing. We’re still trying to get some stuff together and just figure out roles and stuff. I think the biggest thing right now is just guys are coming back from injuries, and so we’re just trying to figure back out where everybody fits. You know, we have to make adjustments based off of people being out, so when you’re winning games like that it’s just hard to implement guys into the system and kind of get them back where they were going. We’re trying to figure it out and just trying to go out and play as hard as we can, and today I didn’t feel like we had a great effort.
On the 22-point performance… For me personally, just kind of seeing (Isaac) Bonga go out there and be aggressive, and go out there and rebound the basketball, stuff like that. For me personally, it made me want to go out there and play hard and be aggressive and be assertive. You know, especially because we both probably, I feel like, kind of play in the same position and kind of get the same touches and so for him to come out as aggressive as he was … that was good to see him go out there and do that. I just wanted to kind of follow his lead.
BRADLEY BEAL (14 points, three assists)
From your perspective, what led to the 28 turnovers? Just weren’t strong with it. A lot of careless ones. I had a couple myself. Just being strong with it, being more precise with our decisionmaking and making firmer passes, good passes. A lot of them were throwing lob passes. They’re a long athletic team. I think the last three teams we’ve played have been like that, so we just have to be better at getting open and making ourselves available and just making the simple pass.
How did the defence get away from you with Toronto’s three-point shooting tonight? They made us work. They made us scramble. They did a good job of putting good lineups out there. (They have) numerous guys who can shoot and numerous guys they can put on the floor. So you know, they just did a good job scheme wise. We just have to be better knowing personnel, knowing that once one guy hits it we kind of have to treat him like he’s hot and kind of get him off the line, but we didn’t do that tonight. We turned the ball over and when you give up threes you’re not going to win.
FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 140, WASHINGTON WIZARDS 111
DATE: JANUARY 15, 2020 ATTENDANCE: 19,800 (Sellout)
FINAL SCORE RECORD HIGH POINTS HIGH REBOUNDS HIGH ASSISTS Washington 111 13-28 Brown Jr. – 22 Bonga – 10 Smith – 8
Toronto 140 27-14 Powell – 28 Ibaka – 8 Lowry – 8 KEY RUN Leading 77-68 with 7:38 left in the third quarter, Toronto scored eight straight points to extend the lead to 17 with 5:59 left … The Raptors led 100-76 after three quarters. KEY STAT The Raptors tied the franchise record for most points i n a game with 140 … Toronto scored 140 points in 2OT also against the Wizards on Jan. 13, 2019.
RAPTORS NOTES: • With the win, Toronto improves to 27-14 this season and 15-7 at home … The Raptors have won three of their last four games (Jan. 8-17) and are now 4-3 in the month of January … Toronto plays the second game of a back-to-back set tomorrow night in Minnesota. • The Raptors have won seven in a row vs. Washington, including five straight games at home … • Toronto made a franchise record 22 three-point field goals … The Raptors shot .512 (22-for-43) from beyond the arc. • The Raptors tied a season best with 16 steals … Toronto forced 28 turnovers which led to 30 points. • Toronto outscored Washington 58-40 in the paint and 34-19 on the fast-break. • The Raptors finished with 34 assists, their fourth straight game with at least 30 assists. • Norman Powell led all scorers with 28 points in 30 minutes off the bench … Powell has scored 20 or more points in all three games since returning from a left shoulder injury, averaging 23.7 points. • Terence Davis ll tied a career high with 23 points in 24 minutes as a reserve. • Marc Gasol scored a season-high 20 points … Gasol tied a career high with six three-point field goals … He added six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes. • The Raptors had seven players score double figures – Powell (28), Davis ll (23), Gasol (20), OG Anunoby (18), Serge Ibaka (15), Pascal Siakam (12) and Kyle Lowry (11).
WIZARDS NOTES: • With the loss, Washington falls to 13-28 on the season and 5-17 on the road … The Wizards have dropped three in a row (Jan. 12-17) and are now 3-6 in January … Washington’s next game is Monday afternoon when they host Detroit. • Troy Brown Jr. paced the Wizards in scoring for the second time this season with 22 points in 26 minutes off the bench … Brown reached the 20-point plateau for the fourth time this season. • Isaac Bonga recorded his first career double-double with career highs of 17 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes … Bonga scored 10 or more for the third time this season. • The Wizards had six players score in double digits – Brown Jr. (22), Bonga (17), Bradley Beal (14), Davis Bertans (12), Ish Smith (12) and Anzejs Pasecniks (11).
Nick Nurse could not remember the last time he had to put a healthy player on his inactive list. He had to do that on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. The days of scrambling just to keep enough scoring on the floor while ensuring he didn’t overwork any of his players are over, for the […]
GAME #41 – TORONTO RAPTORS (26-14) vs. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (13-27) FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 – 7 P.M. (ET) – SCOTIABANK ARENA TV: TSN – RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
RAPTOR NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors host the Washington Wizards on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. This is the second of three games between the two teams. The Raptors won the first meeting 122-118 at home in December. Kyle Lowry scored a team-high 26 points and Serge Ibaka recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Toronto has won six in a row vs. the Wizards, including four straight at home. The Raptors swept the season-series in 2018-19 for the third time in five seasons. Since 2014-15, Toronto is 16-3 against Washington during the regular season.
• Toronto reaches the midway point of the 2019-20 season Friday night. The Raptors have had a +.500 record at the halfway point each of the last seven seasons (2013-20). Toronto was a franchise-best 29-12 (.707) after 41 games the previous two seasons (2017-19).
• Kyle Lowry recorded 17 points, a team-high eight assists and four rebounds in 33 minutes Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. Lowry has now recorded at least eight assists in four consecutive games (Jan. 7-15); averaging 10.5 assists during this stretch. Lowry has dished out five or more assists in each of his 29 games this season, the longest single-season streak of that kind in his career. The only other players who had at least five assists in 25 straight games within a season for the Raptors are Damon Stoudamire (40-game streak in 1995–96) and Calderon (25-game streak in 2007–08 and 44-game streak in 2010–11).
• The Raptors shot a season-high .612 (52-for-85) from the field, including a season-best .556 (15-for-27) from three-point range, Wednesday night at Oklahoma City. Toronto shot 60 per cent from the floor in a game for just the 10th time in franchise history (Last: Nov. 27, 2018 at Memphis). The Raptors improved to a perfect 8-0 this season when they shoot .500 from the field.
• Norman Powell scored a team-high 23 points (9-11 FG. 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) in 27 minutes off the bench Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City – his ninth 20-point effort of the season. Powell had four 20-point games last season. Since returning from a left shoulder injury, Powell has posted consecutive 20-point performances (Jan. 1215), averaging 21.5 points and shooting 68 per cent (17-25) from the floor
. • Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol scored 15 points apiece Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. Gasol returned to the lineup after missing the previous 12 games (Dec. 20 – Jan. 12) with a left hamstring strain. The Raptors are 12-6 this season when both Ibaka and Gasol play in the same game.
• Pascal Siakam moved up to second among all Eastern Conference frontcourt players in the third fan returns of NBA All-Star voting. Siakam is looking to become the seventh player in franchise history to earn an All-Star selection, joining Vince Carter (5X), Chris Bosh (5X), Kyle Lowry (5X), DeMar DeRozan (4X), Kawhi Leonard and Antonio Davis.
• Rookie Terence Davis ll contributed 12 points, a team-high seven rebounds and a career-best three steals in 17 minutes of action Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. Davis has now grabbed five or more rebounds in three consecutive games (Jan. 8-15), averaging 7.7 rebounds during this span. Davis is the only Raptors player to appear in every game this season and currently leads all rookies in +/- rating (+198).
• Contributed 15 points and six rebounds in 29 minutes Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. • Averaging 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 32.2 minutes in 13 games as a starter. • Shooting .532 (50-94) from the field, including .467 (7-15) from three-point range, through six games in January.
• Tallied 21 points, four rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. • Ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring (24.6) and fifth in minutes per game (36.2). • Has scored 30+ points 10 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.
• Totaled 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. • Missed 12 games (Dec. 20 – Jan. 12) due to a left hamstring strain injury sustained Dec. 18 at Detroit. • Has collected 10+ rebounds five times this season.
• Finished with 21 points, a career high-tying five rebounds and five assists in 39 minutes Jan. 15 at OKC. • Toronto is 17-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Shooting a career-best .506 (175-346) from the field, including .530 (35-66) over the last seven games.
• Recorded 17 points, eight assists, and four rebounds in 33 minutes Jan. 15 at Oklahoma City. • Ranks sixth in the NBA in assist per game (7.8); averaging 10.5 assists over the last four games (Jan. 7-15). • Has made at least two three-pointers in 16 straight games (Dec. 14 – Jan. 15); totaled 54 threes during this span.
INJURY REPORT Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – Out Fred VanVleet (Right hamstring; strain) – Questionable.
LAST TIME VS. WASHINGTON
GAME 28 – DECEMBER 20, 2019 TORONTO 122, WASHINGTON 118 TORONTO — Serge Ibaka stepped into the starting lineup and helped the injury-riddled Raptors keep winning … Kyle Lowry scored 26 points, Ibaka had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Toronto overcame the absence of three key players to beat the struggling Washington Wizards 122-118 on Friday night … Fred VanVleet returned from a five-game absence with 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists … Bradley Beal scored 37 points, Ish Smith had 26 and Isaiah Thomas scored 12 as the Wizards lost for the eighth time in 10 December games … Toronto led 96-85 to begin the final quarter, but Beal and Admiral Schofield made back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the deficit to two points, and Smith’s 3-pointer with 5:21 to go tied it at 107-107 … Patrick McCaw hit a tiebreaking 3 with 3:02 remaining and, after Beal missed a 3 that would have tied the score, Lowry answered with a 3 with 2:00 left, putting the Raptors up 116-110 … Beal and Troy Brown Jr. each made baskets in the final 21 seconds to cut the deficit to two points, but VanVleet made four free throws down the stretch to preserve the win … The Raptors led 40-23 after one, their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, and were up 68-52 at halftime.
Toronto: S. Pooley (4) PP (P. Aberg, T. Kivihalme), N. Petan (8) (J. Bracco, M. Marchment), K. Agostino (19) EN (J. Lindgren, T. Gaudet) Goaltender: J. Woll (26/30)
San Antonio: J. Walman (5) PP (K. Kostin, R. Olsen), M. Vecchione (18) (D. Pouliot, J. Wesley), C. Darcy (3) (N. Stevens, L. Lancaster), K. Kostin (8) (M. Reinke, C. Darcy) Goaltender: A. Wilcox (24/27)
ON THE SCORESHEET
Scott Pooley put the Marlies on the board with a power play goal at 16:18 of the second period. This was his first power play goal of the season. Pooley has three goals against the Rampage in two games this season.
Nic Petan scored at 10:19 of the third period. He has collected seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) through four games.
Kenny Agostino scored at 18:06 of the third period. He is tied for fifth overall in the AHL in goals (19). Agostino has points (3 goals, 3 assists) in six consecutive games.
Pontus Aberg recorded the primary assist on Pooley’s second period power play goal. This was his seventh power play assist of the season. He has three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in his last two games. Aberg has 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games.
Teemu Kivihalme registered the secondary assist on Pooley’s second period power play goal. He has nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 33 game this season.
Jeremy Bracco had the primary assist on Petan’s third period goal. Bracco has assists (3) in three consecutive games. Bracco is fifth overall in assists (27) in the League.
Mason Marchment picked up the secondary assist on Petan’s third period goal. He has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 12 games this season.
Jesper Lindgren recorded the primary assist on Agostino’s third period goal. Lindgren has eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) through 27 games this season.
Tyler Gaudet registered the secondary assist on Agostino’s third period goal. He has assists (2) in consecutive games. Gaudet has 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) through 35 games this season.
Joseph Woll stopped 26 of 30 shots he faced. Woll is now 7-9-1-1 on the season with a .897 Save Percentage and a 3.40 Goals Against Average. He was 2-1-0-0 against San Antonio this season, making 106 saves on 112 shots.
OF NOTE…
Toronto was 3-for-4 on the penalty kill and 1-for-4 on the power play. Toronto has power play goals (5) in three consecutive games.
San Antonio had a 30-27 edge in shots in all situations. Kenny Agostino led the Marlies with five shots on goal.
The Marlies are 10-6-0-0 against Central Division opponents and finish their regular season series 3-1-0-0 against the San Antonio Rampage, outscoring the Rampage by 16-8.
Toronto is on their annual Boat Show road trip, returning to Coca-Cola Coliseum on January 31. Before the All-Star Break (January 26 to January 29), Toronto will face the Texas Stars, the San Antonio Rampage, the Charlotte Checkers and the Cleveland Monsters, each in two game series.
REGULAR SEASON LEADERS
Goals: K. Agostino (19)
Assists: J. Bracco (27)
Points: P. Aberg, K. Agostino (32)
PPG: N. Petan (6)
Shots: P. Aberg (102)
+/-: G. Wilson (+9)
PIMS: G. Wilson (58)
ON THE ROAD
Toronto’s away record is 8-9-2-1 (19 points) this season. Toronto’s longest road point streak reached nine points from Oct. 11 to Nov. 2 (3-0-2-1).
The Marlies have been outscored 70-63. Pontus Aberg leads the Marlies in goals (10) and Nic Petan in assists (11) on the road.
Goaltenders Kasimir Kaskisuo (5-3-1-0) and Joseph Woll (3-5-1-1) have combined to make 592 saves.
RECORD WHEN…
The Marlies are 7-8-1-0 when trailing after the first period and 3-11-2-0 when trailing after the second period.
Toronto is 14-9-1-1 when outshooting their opponent.
The Marlies are 0-2-0-0 in Thursday games and are 2-5-0-0 in January.
CURRENT POINT STREAKS
Pontus Aberg has points (1-2-3) in consecutive games.
Kenny Agostino has points (3-3-6) in six consecutive games.
Jeremy Bracco has assists (3) in three consecutive games.
Tyler Gaudet has assists (2) in consecutive games.
Nic Petan has points (5-2-7) in three consecutive games.
Scott Pooley has goals (3) in consecutive games.
MARLIES UPDATES.
Kevin Gravel (illness) did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
Ben Harpur (concussion)did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
Egor Korshkov (lower leg laceration) did not dress for tonight’s game against Texas.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
January 14: Ressigned defenceman Joseph Duszak by Toronto (NHL) from Newfoundland (ECHL).
January 14: Recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from loan by Toronto (NHL).
January 14: Returned forward Mason Marchment on loan from Toronto (NHL).
January 13: Recalled defenceman Michael Kapla from loan to Newfoundland (ECHL).
January 13: Recalled defenceman Rasmus Sandin from loan by Toronto (NHL).
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH GREG MOORE
On what changed from Toronto’s effort on Sunday to tonight’s game: Well, it was clear from the start from the first period and a little bit into the second that we weren’t ready to play physically or mentally. Pretty frustrating that the group thought they were going to come into a game and have an easy time against a team that definitely wanted to respond from how Sunday went. As the game went on, we started to find our groove a little bit, a little too late. I did like our pushback and how we took control towards the end. There was a lot of good stuff there but really the game was lost in the first half.
On line changes in the game: When we’re having a hard time getting things going, I looked to make some little changes or what could help (flipping Pontus Aberg and Mason Marchment). Once that happened, I thought those lines started to come on a little bit. How much of the change had to do with them just realizing that the team needed to step up or it was better chemistry but regardless we started to chisel away. Even in the second period five-on-five, we didn’t give up a lot but still again, first period, slow start, didn’t like our mindset.
On the team’s opportunities on net: Some guys played strong and got to the net, held onto the puck and made good plays. I thought the first half of the game in our o-zone, we had a lot of turnovers between the top of the circles and the blueline. We either didn’t get pucks through from the point or we tried to force things that weren’t there high in the zone and it transitioned their game. We just need to use more of the zone, we need to hold onto the puck longer, use our possession style to our advantage and use our skillset and we just made it easy on them tonight.
NEXT GAME:
January 18 at Charlotte – 6:00 p.m. ET January 19 at Charlotte – 1:00 p.m. ET January 24 at Cleveland – 7:00 p.m. ET January 25 at Cleveland – 1:00 p.m. ET January 31 vs Charlotte – 7:00 p.m. ET
I thought that it was a pretty even game all the way through. The scoreboard reflected that. I liked the way we found a way to tie the game, that’s a big point for us down in the third period, a big power play goal, we really needed it. We could have used one in the second there or earlier in the game but obviously we’ll take that. We generated a number of chances that, on another night, are going to go in for us. Their goaltender was very good, some of the luck didn’t go our way. Sometimes these things are going to happen. I liked, though, that within all that, we didn’t lose our defensive structure very often and then there’s some things we’d like to do a little bit better job of in our own zone. But for the most part I thought it was pretty solid effort for us defensively and we just couldn’t get one to go in for us there.
On tonight’s goaltenders both being selected for the All-Star Game:
Yeah, I think that was on display here today, for sure. I guess that’s the way that it works out because if the two goalies go head-to-head you end up with a low scoring affair. So, it works out that way. As I said, I thought we had a number of really good chances that their guy made real good on and also there’s a few of ours were just pucks rolling on us or just bouncing over our stick. As I say, these things are going to happen every now and again.
On the challenge of starting overtime with a long defensive zone shift:
Well, it makes it so some of your best guys early on there are pretty tired and don’t get to touch the puck. That’s really it. It was we didn’t get the puck; we lost the draw and they didn’t give it up. They did a good job of retaining it. When they did get a look or two, they got it back quickly. So they just made it hard on us. After that we got through it and things were pretty even, I thought, after.
On the decision to put Johnsson on Matthews’ wing:
I just didn’t feel like we had much going. I thought today was, for the Matthews line, the one day it didn’t seem like much was really happening. I just tried to change the chemistry a little bit and tried to get some different looks. That’s really it.
On if he saw some jump from Johnsson as he’s making his way back from injury:
I did at times, yeah. I also saw it was very apparent that he’s behind her in terms of his conditioning and such. His shifts are real short, he gathers his energy and goes out and has bursts, but then he’s pretty gassed after that. I saw him a number of times coming back to the bench tired so that’s something he’s going to have to work his way though and we’ll help him do that, but I did think he made some plays at good times there. He put [Matthews] in a really good spot to get one for us there off the stick of Mango but it didn’t fall. That was nice to see him start to come.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN (31 SAVES)
On tonight’s game:
Yeah, it was a really fun game to be a part of. I thought both teams played well and he made some good saves to keep it at one. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get another one.
On the team sticking with it despite not scoring:
I thought we started really well. We didn’t get much in the beginning and we just kept playing the right way and playing through our process. We get rewarded to tie things up in the third and it’s too bad we didn’t get the extra point.
AUSTON MATTHEWS (12 SHOT ATTEMPTS)
On David Rittich as the difference tonight:
Absolutely. You’ve just to tip your hat to him. He made some unbelievable saves early in the game and then I think we were kind of flat there in the second a bit. In the third we had, obviously, lots of really good chances. He made some really unbelievable saves. So you’ve got to tip your hat to him. Obviously, we would have loved to get the two points. We clawed our way back and got it to overtime and grabbed one. Definitely a game that could have gone the other way.
On being stopped on a 2-on-1 opportunity in the third period:
That’s all I saw. Just tried to shoot it and get it up over his pad or his blocker. He made a really good save.
On evidence that tonight’s goaltenders are worthy of their all-star nods:
Yeah, I don’t want to keep repeating myself, but he had a great game, he made some really good saves that kept them in the game that allowed the game to go to overtime, especially at the end of the third period.
WILLIAM NYLANDER (1 GOAL)
On the play of David Rittich:
I think he was patient. He had a great game and I think he was feeling good about his game today. He did a great job.
On what he liked most about the team’s game tonight:
I think we were creating a lot of chances. Their goalie stood on his head and when that happens you’ve got to be happy with the way we played and take that away from this game.
On his power play goal:
Well I think we got moving around. I think as we got more power plays, we kind of got a feel for what they were doing, and we got an open area there and were able to put it in.
JOHN TAVARES (1 ASSIST)
On a competitive match from start to finish:
Yeah it was a tight hockey game. They defend well and their D do a really good job around their net, breaking out of their end, being a crucial part, I think, of their overall game. There are going to be some nights where you’re going to have to make some adjustments and continue to work and stay with it to find solutions. Obviously, we had a few power plays tonight and would have been nice to get one more, but we got one to get ourselves to overtime. It was just one of those nights where it seemed like the puck was bouncing a lot too. Just tried to stay with it, get good opportunities and get to the interior and it obviously came down to the shootout and we just weren’t able to find the next one.
On the play of David Rittich:
I thought he was reading the play extremely well. He made a couple of really good cross-crease, cross-ice passes. Just was tracking the puck and squaring up on a lot of good looks that he made look easy and he wasn’t making it easy for us to beat him tonight. He played well. Obviously, we would have liked to get more on the interior but it was a tight game and just weren’t able to find it.
The view from left field 