The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Montreal Canadiens 7-1 for the last time this season in the final Saturday night game before the playoffs. There are now several Leafs at or very close to season milestones with three more games to go.
Mitch Marner scored two goals and had an assist to reach 30 goals and 98 points on the season. He might get point 99 if they credit him with an assist on Matthews' goal.
Speaking of Matthews, Auston is up to 39 goals on the season, and is one goal away from tying Ricky Vaive for fifth on the all-time goals list, as well as two away from 300 goals before his 500th game.
John Tavares had two power play goals to reach 18 on the season, marking an ew Leafs franchise record for most PP goals in a season. It was also his 35th goal of the season.
Ryan O'Reilly notched three assists, giving him eight points in nine games with the Leafs. ROR is one point away from 700 and 13 games away from playing 1000 in his career.
Erik Gustafsson also had three assists, all on the power play, for his 42nd point on the season and fourth in nine games for the Leafs.
William Nylander got off his skid with his 38th goal. Michael Bunting scored his 23rd goal of the season and has an outside shot at 25.
Ilya Samsonov stopped 20 of 21 in a game he did not have to play, but the Leafs gave PTO backup Jett Alexander the final minute of the game for his NHL debut. The 6'5" UofT goalie didn't face a shot, but he is officially an NHLer.
Okay, guy who's still mistaken for Dennis Wideman.
“They’ll get what they deserve in a few weeks,” … Habs Chris Wideman on #Leafs bringing in ATO Jett Alexander
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) April 9, 2023
Wayne Simmonds had a fight, four hits, and two shots in what is likely his final game in the NHL as Matthew Knies looms.
Zero Leafs played 20 minutes tonight in a well-managed game on the bench, the only player under 10 minutes was Simmonds who spend nine in the penalty box.
Final highlight, David Kämpf nearly scored a lacrosse goal on Sam Montembeault. What a moment that would've been.
Matheson stole what would've been a historical moment for Leafs Twitter pic.twitter.com/XOXyBswSMk
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 8, 2023
And yes, I know Samsonov shouldn't have started. Yes, he also seemed to hurt himself pretty early. Yes, I am worried he isn't 100% and neither is Murray. Yes, Alexander should've gotten the start. And yes, this is why you don't let goaltenders make decisions.
overhead view of it pic.twitter.com/DvSYBGMp5z
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
Leafs Goals
1-0
Gustafsson to Matthews to Marner pic.twitter.com/zgonOeJ6Xf
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 8, 2023
2-0
JOHN TAVARES 🚨
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 8, 2023
the sauce from Mitch, right over Matheson pic.twitter.com/DzFhXm8nNo
3-1
38th of the season from O'Reilly pic.twitter.com/UOGDq5hXIq
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
4-1
sets up Bunting then buries the backhand pic.twitter.com/NKbVtJxz0r
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
5-1
third point of the game for Ryan O'Reilly pic.twitter.com/AbJPIIvmyz
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
6-1
This was assisted by Mitch Marner
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
give him the point pic.twitter.com/c4lUr9deXp
7-1
another point for Gustafsson pic.twitter.com/cbMvSkdm2z
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 9, 2023
