In Toronto Wednesday, the Maple Leafs’ Frederik Andersen made 44 saves to backstop the Leafs to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators in a shootout.
“It was a tough game, there’s not a lot of space out there,” Andersen said. “They play a good style of hockey with good defensemen. We didn’t have much room, but I think we did a good job as well. Their goals came out of some tough bounces, but that’s how the hockey is going to be like going down the stretch. It was a good test for us, I think we played well.”
James van Riemsdyk, who had a goal in regulation, potted the game-winner in the skills competition.
James van Riemsdyk had a regulation goal and scored the game-winner in the shootout win over the Predators Wednesday – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“You watch a little bit of the guys going before you, and obviously you have some moves in mind that you usually try to go for, and then when you come down the ice, you just go off instinct and look for something that you think is there,” van Riemsdyk said. “I wanted to try something a little bit different than I normally do.”
The win pushed the Leafs to 32-19-5 and continued their recent streak winning six of the last seven games.
Tyler Bozak also scored in regulation for the Leafs.
Nashville’s Viktor Arvidsson struck early in the third period to tie the game 2-2 leading to extra time and the shootout.
“That’s a good team competing at a high level,” Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “As the game went on, they got quicker and quicker and we watched them more and more. Freddie had to be good, so good for Freddie and good for us, we got the points. It just goes to show we’ve got a ways to go.”
Colton Sissons also scored for the Preds.
“I think as the game went on, we got a lot better,” the Predators’ Kyle Turris said. “We’ve got to start games the way that we played in the third though. If we play the whole game like we did in the third, it would be a better outcome for us.”
[RELATED: All Predators vs. Maple Leafs highlights]
Pekka Rinne suffered his first loss after eight straight wins.
“We created a lot of chances and Andersen played a really strong game and gave them a chance,” Rinne said. “We’ll take the point, but anytime you play good as a team like that, it’s disappointing to lose.”
Nashville dropped to 32-12-8 with the loss.
“In this league right now, if you want to win, your goalie has to play really well, but he’s (Andersen) doing that and carrying a heavy workload too. I’m very impressed,” Rinne said after the game.
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