The Toronto Maple Leafs came out of the break with a surge in a 5-2 win over the Predators on Monday, in Nashville.
Frederik Andersen made 34 saves in the win.
Jason Spezza had a goal for the Maple Leafs – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
William Nylander got the Leafs going when he scored for an early 1-0 lead.
Zach Hyman and Rasmus Sandin helped build a 3-1 lead for Toronto.
“In the second period, we just got away from it,” Nashville coach John Hynes said. “We just got away from the identity that we want to play with. The hardness that we need to play with to be able to win, managing the puck, consistency in the performances throughout the lineup, that was where the game got away from us.”
Mikael Granlund and Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Predators.
“If we manage the puck a little bit better, we have an even better result,” Jake Muzzin said. “I liked our [offensive] zone play. I thought we created lots and capitalized on some chances. It was a good first game back.”
Jason Spezza also scored for Toronto and Auston Matthews added an empty net goal for the sealer.
“It’s great,” Andersen said. “We had some good talks and stuff trying to get better at certain things. Like everyone at this time of year, we want to keep pushing and getting better. It was a good first step.”
[WATCH: All Maple Leafs vs. Predators highlights]
Pekka Rinne made 26 saves in the loss.
“We’ve got to do it together,” Predators captain Roman Josi said. “Every guy in that first shift go out there and try to make a difference. You’ve got to find a way to change the momentum, and it’s got to be that next line every time. Every guy individually has to go out there and make a difference.”
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