Toronto Maple Leafs pick up second in a row with win over New Jersey Devils
The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to pick up their second win in a row with a win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday 18 November, defeating the visitors 3-1 at the Air Canada Centre.
Both the Devils and the Maple Leafs have struggled this season and find themselves near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference. Thursday’s game presented an opportunity for both teams to
get a much needed win and perhaps even a chance to build momentum as November comes to a close.
Neither teams seemed to be able to find their game in the first period, as both were kept off the score sheet.
However, in the second period the Maple Leafs were able to take advantage on the power play, as Brian Rolston took a tipping penalty at the end of the first period and the Leafs capitalized just over a
minute into the second. Mikhail Grabovski was able to snap one home in the slot after Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur let out a massive rebound off a Nikolai Kulemin shot.
Toronto kept the pressure on and were able to capitalize again just past the seven minute mark with a Phil Kessel goal. Kessel was wide open at the side of the net after youngster Nazem Kadri slid him
the puck. Kessel made no mistake, putting a wrist shot past a helpless Brodeur.
New Jersey was able to make cut the Leaf lead to one with a goal from Dainius Zubrus, who had the puck go off his stake in front of the net, after left-winger Alexander Vasyunov threw the puck towards
the goal. Maple Leaf netminder Jonas Gustavsson was helpless on the play, as the puck was tipped right in front of him.
The clubs entered the second intermission with the Leafs up 2-1 and when they came back from the break the momentum seemed to have swing in the direction of the Devils. However, strong play from Gustavsson
kept the Buds in the game and after Matthew Corrente took a cross-checking penalty the Leafs were able to slot one home on the power play. The Leafs established themselves in the offensive zone and Kadri managed his second point of the game, sending a brilliant
pass to Kris Versteeg, who was parked on the half boards. Versteeg one-timed the puck past the sprawling New Jersey goaltender and the Leafs cemented their second win in a row.
New Jersey will face-off against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday 20 November, while the Leafs will meet the Montreal Canadiens the same day.
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