Month: January 2020

FLAMES 2, MAPLE LEAFS 1 (SO): John Tavares registered the primary assist on William Nylander’s third-period goal. Tavares has points (2-3-5) in three consecutive games. He has registered a goal and two assists in two games against the Flames this season.

CALGARY FLAMES (26-18-5 – 57 Points) vs.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (25-16-7 – 57 Points)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

 123OTSOFINAL
CALGARY010011
TORONTO001001

GAME SUMMARY         |           EVENT SUMMARY        |           FACEOFF SUMMARY


ON THE SCORESHEET

  • William Nylander put the Maple Leafs on the board with a power play goal at 8:35 of the third period. Nylander has points (2-2-4) in two consecutive games. He has 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 19 games against Western Conference opponents. He has registered seven points (4-3-7) in seven games during the month of January.
  • John Tavares registered the primary assist on Nylander’s third period goal. Tavares has points (2-3-5) in three consecutive games. He has registered a goal and two assists in two games against the Flames in 2019-20. In nine games against Pacific Division opposition, he has recorded eight points (4-4-8).
  • Tyson Barrie collected the secondary assist on Nylander’s third period goal. Barrie is tied for the lead among Maple Leafs defencemen in power play assists and leads Toronto defencemen in power play points (1-7-8). His 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists) in 24 career games against the Flames mark his fourth-highest point total against a single opponent.
  • Frederik Andersen stopped 31 shots between regulation and overtime in the shootout loss.

IN THE SHOOTOUT

  • Jason Spezza: Stopped (2019-20: 2/3)
  • Auston Matthews: Stopped (2019-20: 1/5)
  • Mitch Marner: Stopped (2019-20: 0/4)
  • Frederik Andersen: 1/2 (2019-20: 13/19)

SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets).

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
CALGARY9 (8)12 (11)7 (4)4 (0)32 (23)
TORONTO10 (9)14 (10)9 (7)3 (0)36 (26)
      

SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets)

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
CALGARY20 (16)17 (16)14 (9)5 (0)56 (41)
TORONTO21 (19)31 (22)14 (11)4 (0)70 (52)

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Record at Home12-5-7 (24 Games)
All-Time Record vs. Calgary61-60-12-5 (138 Games)
All-Time Record vs. Calgary at Home36-19-7-3 (65 Games)
Record vs. Western Conference11-6-2 (19 Games)
Record vs. Pacific Division6-3-1 (10 Games)
Attendance19,462

MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS

Shots9 (Matthews)
Shot Attempts12 (Matthews)
Faceoff Wins12 (Tavares)
Faceoff Win Percentage100% (Spezza – 3 won, 0 lost)
Hits4 (Sandin)
Blocked Shots4 (Barrie)
Takeaways4 (Tavares)
TOI26:23 (Tavares)
Power Play TOI6:03 (Barrie)
Shorthanded TOI2:17 (Ceci)
Shifts27 (Marner)
5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage65.2% (Nylander, Tavares – 19 for, 8 against)
  

RECORD WHEN…

Opponent scores first8-13-6
Tied after 19-5-3
Trail after 22-10-4
Score one power play goal9-4-4
Do not allow a power play goal12-5-3
Outshooting opponent12-6-3
Shootout1-4
Thursday3-2-1

OF NOTE…

  • The Maple Leafs went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and 1-for-4 on the power play tonight.
  • Frederik Gauthier and Dmytro Timashov started 33.3 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts, which was the lowest mark among Toronto skaters.
  • Justin Holl was on the ice for a team-high 25 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Dermott finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 64.1 percent (25 for, 14 against).
  • Alex Kerfoot skated in his 200th NHL game.
  • John Tavares won 100 percent (5 won, 0 lost) of his defensive zone faceoffs.

UPCOMING GAMES:

  • Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. vs. Chicago Blackhawks (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
  • 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)

FLAMES AT MAPLE LEAFS PREGAME NOTES: Mitch Marner has nine multi-assist games, tied for the seventh in the NHL. – Averaging 1.28 points per game, 10th 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, fourth among NHLers who have appeared in at least 30 games.- Tied for 10th 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).

CALGARY FLAMES (25-18-5 – 55 Points) vs.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (25-16-6 – 56 Points)

JANUARY 16, 2020 â–ª 7:00 PM EST

SCOTIABANK ARENA (TORONTO, ON) â–ª
TV: TSN4 â–ª RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN

MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus CALGARY

ALL-TIME RECORD:61-60-12-4 (137 Games)
ALL-TIME AT HOME:36-19-7-2 (64 Games)
2019-20:0-1-0
LAST FIVE:3-2-0
LAST 10:5-5-0

MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus CALGARY

GAMES PLAYED:Jake Muzzin (31), Jason Spezza (27), Tyson Barrie (23)
GOALS:John Tavares (8), Jason Spezza (6), Zach Hyman (4)
ASSISTS:Jake Muzzin (15), Tyson Barrie (15), John Tavares (10)
POINTS:John Tavares (18), Jake Muzzin (17), Tyson Barrie (17)
PENALTY MINUTES:Jason Spezza (33), Jake Muzzin (14), Tyson Barrie (6), Morgan Rielly (6)

MAPLE LEAFS – FLAMES TEAM STATS

 TORONTOCALGARY
GOALS FOR (Rank):172 (1st)127 (t-23rd)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):       154 (t-26th)141 (14th)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):31/129 [24.0%] (5th)27/141 [19.1%] (21st)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):103/136 [75.7%] (t-25th)124/149 [83.2%] (4th)
SHOTS (Rank):1581 (4th)1495 (t-14th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):2379 (3rd)2255 (29th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):52.7% (6th)50.4% (12th)
FACEOFF % (Rank):52.8% (3rd)48.6% (t-23rd)

MAPLE LEAFS – FLAMES NOTES

FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN CLUBS:November 5, 1972 (Toronto 2, Atlanta 2)
ALL-TIME RECORD:61-60-12-4 (137 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD AT HOME:36-19-7-2 (64 Games)
ALL-TIME RECORD ON THE ROAD:25-41-5-2 (73 Games)
LAST WIN VS. OPPONENT AT HOME:December 6, 2017 (Toronto 2, Calgary 1 SO)

MAPLE LEAFS MILESTONES vs. FLAMES

Morgan Rielly400th NHL game (October 29, 2018 vs. CGY)
  

MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS

CATEGORYLEADER
GOALS34 (Matthews)
ASSISTS33 (Marner)
POINTS57 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS17 (Matthews)
SHORTHANDED POINTS2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs34 (Muzzin)
SHOTS179 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%58.6% (Gauthier)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %55.7% (Matthews)
BLOCKED SHOTS72 (Ceci)
TAKEAWAYS51 (Matthews)
HITS87 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME24:15 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME3:08 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME2:58 (Ceci)

MAPLE LEAFS PLAYER NOTES

Frederik Andersen– Is 10-4-5 at home this season with a 3.14 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage.
– Has made 13 career appearances against the Flames and is 8-2-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.- Tied for second in the NHL in wins (22).- Third in the NHL in total saves (1,035) and second in even-strength saves (876).
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 13 NHL defencemen to have recorded at least 115 shots on goal (123).- Has 17 points (2 goals, 15 assists) in 23 career games against Calgary, which is his fourth-highest point total against a single opponent.
Cody Ceci– 12th among NHL skaters in shorthanded time on ice (139:12).- Has played 61.2 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 (1.12).- Fifth among NHL rookie forwards in shorthanded time on ice (30:18).
Justin Holl– Has started 45.2 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 52.5 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 third among Toronto skaters who have played 20 games.- Has an on-ice goals for percentage of 59.0 percent at 5-on-5, which is second among Toronto skaters who have played 20 games.
– Averaging 15:13 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; 9 GP) since the Christmas break.- Has scored 10 goals this season, which is tied for 11th 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 (35) and 25 blocked shots (27) this season.
Mitch Marner– Has nine multi-assist games, which is tied for the seventh-most among NHL skaters.- Averaging 1.28 points per game, which is the 10th-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.- Tied for 10th 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– Had his second career hat trick on January 14 vs. New Jersey.- 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).- Leads the NHL in multi-goal games (9).- Tied for eighth among NHL skaters in even-strength points (25-15-40).- Fifth in the NHL with 179 shots on goal. 
William Nylander– Averages 1.24 goals per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranks second among Toronto skaters and is tied for 14th 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 (14:25) while maintaining a goal per 60-minute rate of at least 1.20 (1.24).
Jason Spezza– Averaging 2.19 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 1.28 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– Tied for 15th among NHL skaters in multi-point games (13).- Tied for 17th among NHLers in even-strength goals (15). His 15 even-strength goals are the most among NHLers who have appeared in 40 or fewer games.- Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 54.5 percent, which is tied for 20th among NHL centres who have appeared in 30 games.- Averaging 17.63 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 9.39 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.- Had a goal and an assist against Calgary on December 12.
  

CURRENT POINT STREAKS

Zach HymanHas goals (2), assists (3) and points (2-3-5) in two consecutive games.
Mitch MarnerHas points (3-8-11) in eight consecutive games.
William NylanderHas assists (2) and points (1-2-3) in two consecutive games.
John TavaresHas goals (2) and points (2-2-4) in two consecutive games.
  

UPCOMING MILESTONES

Alex KerfootOne game from 200 NHL games
Jason SpezzaFive assists from 600 assists

RECENT MILESTONES

Jason Spezza1,100th 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: 111

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

January 14Recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Loaned forward Mason Marchment to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 13Recalled defenceman Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Placed defenceman Morgan Rielly on injured reserve.
January 12Activated forward Andreas Johnsson from injured reserve. Placed defenceman Jake Muzzin on injured reserve.
January 10Signed defenceman Martin Marincin to a one-year contract extension.
  

Where does Josh Donaldson best fit in Twins batting order?

From the Minneapolis StarTribune

http://strib.mn/38aWr1v

Where does Josh Donaldson best fit in Twins batting order?

By Phil Miller JANUARY 15, 2020 — 12:06PMTEXT SIZE75EMAILPRINT

Rocco Baldelli said he spent a lot of time thinking about lineups last season, had almost daily conversations about some wrinkle or new possibility with bench coach Derek Shelton. The result was 145 different batting orders over the season’s 162 games.

Now he’s got Josh Donaldson to add to the mix, in the wake of the free agent third baseman’s decision on Tuesday to accept a four-year, $92 million contract from Minnesota, and it will be fascinating to see where the Twins’ manager slots in one of the more versatile and dangerous hitters in the league. Donaldson’s huge comeback season last year in Atlanta came mostly from the cleanup slot, batting right behind Freddie Freeman to form a formidable left-right combo. But that might not be the best spot for him in Minnesota.

For one thing, Nelson Cruz, another right-handed hitter, occupied the No. 3 spot in Baldelli’s lineup whenever he was available. Baldelli normally chose Eddie Rosario, his second-best left-handed power hitter — Max Kepler, who hit 36 home runs and slugged .519, normally hit in the leadoff spot — to bat behind Cruz. Baldelli could choose to keep that alignment intact in 2020, perhaps lining up Donaldson to bat fifth, a spot he’s occupied only 75 times in his career.

Then again, perhaps the left-right dynamic isn’t as critical for Donaldson, who experienced an unusual, but pronounced, reverse split in 2019. Donaldson normally feasts on left-handed pitching — a career .951 OPS catches your eye — but last year was an outlier. Donaldson batted .215 against lefties in 2019, albeit with a .395 on-base percentage, and hit only seven of his 37 homers off left-handers. He started the year 3-for-20 against lefties, and went 3-for-17 in September.

There’s a pretty good chance, however, that Baldelli may arrive at the answer several other managers have chosen: Bat him second. That’s where Donaldson hit during his best seasons, including his 2015 American League MVP season, and the reason is an obvious one: In addition to being an elite hitter, Donaldson’s plate discipline is among the best in the league.

more….http://strib.mn/38aWr1v

With Josh Donaldson in the Fold, Can the Twins Compete for the AL Pennant? — Full Press Coverage

The latest news to break during this wild week in Major League Baseball was that the Josh Donaldson sweepstakes have finally ended, as the Minnesota Twins landed the star third baseman. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand was the first to report that the Twins and Donaldson had agreed to a four-year, $92 million deal. What will the […]

With Josh Donaldson in the Fold, Can the Twins Compete for the AL Pennant? — Full Press Coverage

Jaylen Brown Suffers Sprained Right Thumb In Celtics’ Loss Vs. Pistons — NESN.com

BOSTON — Wednesday just wasn’t the Celtics’ night. Boston not only dropped its game to the lowly Detroit Pistons 116-103 at TD Garden, it also saw one of its best players get injured. Jaylen Brown, as he has been all season, was dominant on the court, dropping 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting with four 3-point…

Jaylen Brown Suffers Sprained Right Thumb In Celtics’ Loss Vs. Pistons — NESN.com

Is technology bumping against its limits in baseball? — Press Telegram

I’ve been thinking a lot about the limits of how technology is applied to baseball – where the limits exist today, where they might exist in the future, where they should exist. There’s an obvious reason to ask the big questions. Baseball is reeling from the fallout of sign-stealing investigations into the 2017 and 2018…

Is technology bumping against its limits in baseball? — Press Telegram

Anthony Davis to miss 4th consecutive Lakers game — Press Telegram

EL SEGUNDO — For the fourth consecutive game, the Lakers will have to do without Anthony Davis. Against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, they’ll try to make it four consecutive wins. In the morning shootaround, Frank Vogel confirmed Davis, who has been recovering from a bruised backside for more than a week now, would…

Anthony Davis to miss 4th consecutive Lakers game — Press Telegram

RAPTORS AT THUNDER PREGAME NOTES: Serge Ibaka recorded his career-best eighth straight double-double Sunday vs. San Antonio with a team-high 21 points and season high-matching 14 rebounds in 32 minutes. Ibaka is the third player in Raptors history to record a double-double in eight straight games, joining Chris Bosh (five times) and Donyell Marshall. Bosh holds the franchise record with a double-double in 10 straight games (Mar. 26 – Apr. 13, 2007).

RAPTOR NOTES

• The Toronto Raptors travel to Oklahoma City on Wednesday to face the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The two teams met in late December with the Thunder edging the Raptors by a score of 98-97. Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet led the team with 20 points apiece, while Serge Ibaka grabbed a seasonhigh 14 rebounds in the game. The Raptors and Thunder split the season-series in 2018-19 with the road team winning both contests. The visiting team has won the last four meetings between the two teams. Toronto will play 10-of-15 games on the road in January, their busiest road month of the season.

• Serge Ibaka recorded his career-long eighth straight double-double Sunday vs. San Antonio. He scored a team-high 21 points and grabbed season high-tying 14 rebounds in 32 minutes against the Spurs. Ibaka is just the third player in Raptors history to record a double-double in eight straight games, joining Chris Bosh (five times) and Donyell Marshall. Bosh holds the franchise record with a double-double in 10 straight games (Mar. 26 – Apr. 13, 2007). All 12 of Ibaka’s double-doubles this season have come in the last 18 games (Dec. 9 – Jan. 12). He is averaging 19.1 points and 11.5 rebounds over the last eight contests.

• Kyle Lowry will play in his 526th game as a Raptor on Wednesday, moving him into third place on the franchise’s all-time games played list – behind only DeMar DeRozan (675) and Morris Peterson (542). Lowry finished with 16 points and a season-high 15 assists Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio. Lowry has now dished out five or more assists in each of his 28 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).

• Pascal Siakam (groin; stretch) and Norman Powell (left shoulder; subluxation) returned to the lineup Sunday for the first time since being injured Dec. 18 at Detroit. Toronto went 6-5 in their absence. Siakam finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists against the Spurs, while Powell recorded 20 points and four assists. It was Powell’s eighth 20-point performance of the season, a mark he achieved four times in 51 games last season. Siakam ranked third among all Eastern Conference frontcourt players in the second fan returns of NBA All-Star voting.

• The Raptors currently rank third in the NBA averaging 17.6 fast-break points per game. The Thunder rank 30th in the league in that category (9.4 points per game), however they lead the NBA in fast-break points allowed (10.9 points per game). Oklahoma City outscored Toronto 9-8 on the fast-break in their first meeting. Pascal Siakam is tied with Russell Westbrook and Devin Booker for third in the NBA averaging 4.5 fast-break points, behind only Gianni Antetokounmpo (6.4) and LeBron James (4.7)

. • Reserve Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has led the bench in scoring in four of the last five games (Jan. 2-12). Hollis-Jefferson is averaging 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds during this stretch.

• Rookie Terence Davis ll is the only Raptors player to appear in every game this season. Davis leads all rookies in +/- rating (+180) and ranks eighth with a .382 three-point percentage (47-for-123).


PROBABLE STARTERS

F – OG ANUNOBY #3

MIN: 30.0 REB: 5.8 AST: 1.6 STL: 1.1 TO: 1.2 BLK: 0.7 PTS: 11.0

• Finished with eight points, three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio. • Toronto is 16-4 this season when Anunoby scores 10 or more points. • Shooting a career-best .496 (167-333) from the field, including .509 (27-53) over the last six games.

F – PASCAL SIAKAM #43

MIN: 36.4 REB: 7.9 AST: 3.6 STL: 0.9 TO: 2.6 BLK: 0.9 PTS: 24.7

• Contributed with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio. • Ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring (24.7) and fourth in minutes per game (36.4). • Has scored 30+ points 10 times; had five 30-point performances in 80 games played last season.

C – SERGE IBAKA #9

MIN: 26.5 REB: 8.6 AST: 1.2 STL: 0.4 TO: 2.0 BLK: 0.9 PTS: 15.1

• Recorded team-leading 12th double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio. • Averaging 18.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 32.4 minutes in 12 games as a starter. • Shooting .518 (43-83) from the field, including .467 (7-15) from three-point range, through five games in January.

G – NORMAN POWELL #24

MIN: 29.0 REB: 3.9 AST: 1.8 STL: 1.1 TO: 1.6 BLK: 0.4 PTS: 14.6

• Tallied 20 points and four assists Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio – his eighth 20-point effort of the season. • In 17 starts, averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 31.5 minutes. • Has scored 20+ points in four of his last five games played (Dec. 11 – Jan. 12); averaging 20.4 points.

G – KYLE LOWRY #7

MIN: 38.5 REB: 4.5 AST: 7.8 STL: 1.2 TO: 3.0 BLK: 0.5 PTS: 20.6

• Tallied 16 points and a season-best 15 assists for sixth double-double of the season Jan. 12 vs. San Antonio. • Tied for sixth in the NBA in assist per game (7.8); averaging 11.3 assists over the last three games (Jan. 7-12). • Has made at least two three-pointers in 15 straight games (Dec. 14 – Jan. 12); totaled 52 threes during this span.


INJURY REPORT

Marc Gasol (Left hamstring; strain) – TBD Dewan Hernandez (Right ankle; sprain) – TBD Fred VanVleet (Right hamstring; strain) – TBD

LEAFS 7, DEVILS 4: WHAT THE LEAFS SAID: “I thought we started off really well. I thought the first period we had the puck a lot, created some chances that didn’t go in. All the lines were contributing tonight. So, I think for us, it was just a matter of time. … They made some unbelievable plays to feed me the puck tonight and I just tried to put it in.” –AUSTON MATTHEWS.

HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE

On Rasmus Sandin’s play:

Well, the biggest thing about [Sandin’s] game is his poise. And I think that’s — when you have that it’ll get fazed by where you’re at. He has that in spades, and he showed it again today.

On tonight’s effort:

I liked it. I thought our first period was really good, liked a lot about that. Of course, I liked that we were able to score goals again here today. I didn’t like our second period at all. To me, this has happened to us before where the third period is where the puck ends up in our net, but I actually liked a lot about our third period. The second period, to me, with the puck offensively was one of the worst periods that we’ve had since I’ve been here. I thought we cleaned that up a lot in the third period with how we handled the puck and how we maintained the puck. We just had some breakdowns again where guys got in behind us. We don’t like to see that, but we’d much rather see it in a game like this where we can continue to nail down on it and teach on it rather than whether it’s 0-0 or whatever the case may be where it’s going to really hurt us. Today I think it helps our cause because it’s something defensively to nail down.

On why he has stuck with the Hyman-Matthews-Marner line:

Just feel like there’s some good chemistry going on there. We want to get more time for [Tavares] and [Nylander] to play together. We’re trying to find the right fit there. Obviously, we tried Engvall with them today. We wanted to get Kerfoot back in the middle and thought there were some pieces of Pierre’s game that could help John and Willy. I really like what we see from that trio with Matthews.

On Jason Spezza reaching the 1,100-game milestone:

To me, the way he approaches the game, he’s a guy who’s 10 years younger every day. He’s got a great passion for the game, it keeps him hungry, it keeps him working every single day. He wants more all the time, he wants more information, he wants more touches in practice, he wants more time with the skills coaches. He’s hungry all the time to stay sharp and continue to work and get better. That really sets the tone for our team.

On what power play minutes can do for Sandin’s confidence:

I would think it would help him. I’ve seen the impact he can make on the power play with that poise and also with his ability to get the puck to the net. He really transformed the power play with us with the Marlies last year when he got healthy early in the season. He started the season on the IR. And then once he got healthy, our power play went from one of the worst in the League to one of the best. I felt pretty strongly that he would be able to give us something there on that second unit today.

ZACH HYMAN (1 GOAL, 1 ASSIST)

On what was working well tonight:

Well, we were scoring. Still a little frustrating obviously, you don’t want to give up and let them come back in the game at the end there, but huge win for us. Good to get back in the win column.

On the team bouncing back after Sunday’s game in Florida:

I think there were times in the game where we played the right way and dominated play. We got our chances and put them in so that was positive and then seeing Rasmus step up was awesome. He’s a great player so it showed pretty early. He kind of got some confidence there and it was good to see him step up.

MITCH MARNER (2 ASSISTS)

On what the team did well tonight:

I thought we controlled the puck well. I thought we got away from it a little bit in the second, kind of flipping it and trying to chase it more. I thought we did a good job when we had it in the third and in the first. We were calming plays down, we were bringing it back, setting things up and coming as a unit and I think when we do that, we’re a scary team and we’re hard to stop.

On Sandin’s game:

Well, I think his game matches ours very well. You saw tonight, his poise with the puck, his defensive play is top notch and he showed it here tonight. You saw it at World Juniors as well. He’s been impressive to watch. He’s a great player and, you saw it tonight, he made plays, he made stuff happen all over the ice. He’s got a very good head on his shoulders; he plays very well.

AUSTON MATTHEWS (3 GOALS)

On plays with his linemates that led to his hat trick:

I thought we started off really well. I thought the first period we had the puck a lot, created some chances that didn’t go in. All the lines were contributing tonight. So, I think for us, it was just a matter of time. Like you said, they made some unbelievable plays to feed me the puck tonight and I just tried to put it in. 

On tonight’s effort coming after the loss in Florida:

I think we wanted to have a good bounce back game. A little bit of a lull in the second period. Some stuff that I think we’d like to clean up and do better but, all in all, nice to get back in the win column and push forward these last two games.

RASMUS SANDIN (2 ASSISTS)

On returning to the Maple Leafs:

It was a fun game and good to get the win. First one after the call up so it felt good.

On if he’s more comfortable after the season he has had and prior NHL experience:

A little bit. I feel confident out there and I feel like I know all the guys a little bit more, all the staff. So the group is really good and help me in every way the can, so it’s been good I’d say.

On getting a pair of assists in the first period of his first game back:

It’s great. I think my shots weren’t the hardest or it would have been scored on, but they get a stick on it. It’s great to help the team a little bit.

MAPLE LEAFS 7, DEVILS 4 POSTGAME NOTES: Auston Matthews had his ninth multi-goal game of 2019-20, which leads the NHL, and his second career hat trick (Previous: October 12, 2016 at Ottawa). He has 19 multi-point games this season. He has seven goals over his past five games. In 23 games on home ice, he has recorded 39 points (27 goals, 12 assists).

NEW JERSEY DEVILS (17-22-7 – 41 Points) vs.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (25-16-6 – 56 Points)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

 123OTFINAL
NEW JERSEY013–4
TORONTO322–7

GAME SUMMARY         |           EVENT SUMMARY        |           FACEOFF SUMMARY


ON THE SCORESHEET

  • John Tavares opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs at 5:18 of the first period before picking up the secondary assist on Nylander’s second period goal and later adding the secondary assist on Auston Matthews’ second period goal. Tonight’s game is his fourth multi-assist and 13th multi-point game of the season. He has 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) in 42 career games against the Devils. Tavares has goals (2) and points (2-2-4) in two consecutive games. He has two goals and four assists against New Jersey in 2019-20. In 11 games against Metropolitan Division teams he has recorded 5 goals and 8 assists.
  • Frederik Gauthier scored the second Toronto goal of the night at 9:10 of the first period. He has two goals over his last four games. He has recorded seven (5-2-7) of his 10 points on home ice this season.
  • Zach Hyman scored the third Maple Leafs goal of the game on the power play at 19:56 of the first period and later had the secondary assist on Auston Matthews’ third period goal. Hyman has goals (2), assists (3) and points (2-3-5) in two consecutive games. Tonight’s game is his fifth multi-point performance of the season. He has 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 11 games on home ice this season.
  • William Nylander collected the secondary assist on Tavares’ first period goal and later scored the fourth Toronto goal of the night at 2:12 of the second period. Nylander has assists (2) and points (1-2-3) in two consecutive games. He two goals and three assists in two games against New Jersey this season. Tonight’s game is Nylander’s 10th multi-point performance of 2019-20. His second period goal is his 20th goal of the season — the third time he has reached the 20-goal mark in his career.
  • Auston Matthews scored the Maple Leafs fifth goal of the game on the power play at 10:39 of the second period and later added Toronto’s sixth goal of the night at 3:58 of the third period before scoring the Maple Leafs’ seventh goal of the night into an empty net at 18:40 of the third period. Tonight’s game is Matthews’ ninth multi-goal game of 2019-20, which leads the NHL, and his second career hat trick (Previous: October 12, 2016 at Ottawa). He has registered multi-points in a game on 19 occasions this season. He has seven goals over his last five games played. In 23 games on home ice, he has recorded 39 points (27 goals, 12 assists).
  • Rasmus Sandin registered the primary assist on Tavares’ first period goal and later had the primary assist on Hyman’s first period goal. Tonight’s game is Sandin’s first career multi-assist and multi-point game. He was recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on January 13. He has four assists in seven games with the Maple Leafs this season. He has 15 points (2-13-15) in 21 games with the Marlies in 2019-20, while collecting 10 points (3-7-10) in seven games at the 2020 World Juniors.
  • William Nylander collected the secondary assist on Tavares’ first period goal. Nylander has assists (2) in two consecutive games. He recorded a goal and two assists on December 27 at New Jersey. He has 16 points (8-8-16) in 15 games against Metropolitan Division teams.
  • Jason Spezza had the secondary assist on Hyman’s first period goal. Spezza has two points (1-1-2) in his last four games. Tonight’s game is his 1,100th career NHL game, making him the 196th player in League history to reach the milestone. He has recorded 933 career NHL points (338 goals, 595 assists).
  • Pierre Engvall registered the primary assist on Nylander’s second period goal. He has recorded five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in six games during the month of January. In 10 games on home ice, he has collected six points (4-2-6).
  • Mitch Marner recorded the primary assist on Matthews’ second period goal and later had the primary assist on Matthews’ third period goal. Marner has points (3-8-11) in eight consecutive games. His 21 primary assists are the ninth-most in the NHL. He has recorded 25 of his 33 assists in 21 games on home ice this season. In six games during the month of January, he has registered nine points (4-5-9).
  • Frederik Andersen stopped 24 shots to earn his 22nd win of the season.

SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets)

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
NEW JERSEY7 (6)10 (6)11 (9)–28 (21)
TORONTO16 (9)6 (2)12 (10)–34 (21)
      

SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets)

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
NEW JERSEY15 (11)20 (16)24 (21)–59 (48)
TORONTO27 (17)12 (3)19 (17)–58 (37)

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Record at Home12-5-6 (23 Games)
All-Time Record vs. New Jersey75-41-20-9 (144 Games)
All-Time Record vs. New Jersey at Home48-17-5-3 (73 Games)
Record vs. Eastern Conference14-10-5 (29 Games)
Record vs. Metropolitan Division7-4-4 (15 Games)
Attendance19,124

MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS

Shots5 (Barrie, Nylander)
Shot Attempts7 (Matthews)
Faceoff Wins12 (Tavares)
Faceoff Win Percentage100% (Gauthier – 6 won, 0 lost)
Hits4 (Ceci)
Blocked Shots4 (Holl)
Takeaways3 (Hyman, Marincin)
TOI21:51 (Marner)
Power Play TOI5:12 (Marner, Matthews, Tavares)
Shorthanded TOI4:15 (Marincin)
Shifts24 (Holl)
5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage65.2% (Marincin – 15 for, 8 against)
  

RECORD WHEN…

Scoring first17-3-1
Lead after 113-2-1
Lead after 218-1-2
Score multiple power play goals6-1-0
Allow one power play goal12-8-3
Outshooting opponent12-6-2
Tuesday6-3-1

OF NOTE…

  • The Maple Leafs went 3-for-4 on the penalty kill and 2-for-4 on the power play tonight.
  • Travis Dermott was on the ice for a team-high 16 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5 tonight. Dermott finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 43.2 percent (16 for, 21 against).
  • Cody Ceci started 11.1 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, which was the lowest mark among Toronto skaters. 
  • Auston Matthews was 6-for-8 (75%) in the faceoff circle against New Jersey centre Nico Hischier.
  • John Tavares won 63 percent (5 won, 3 lost) of his offensive zone faceoffs.

UPCOMING GAMES:

  • Thursday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. vs. Calgary Flames (TSN4, FAN 590)
  • Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m. vs. Chicago Blackhawks (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
  • 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).