In Toronto Tuesday, the Maple Leafs’ Frederik Andersen made 33 saves as he held the New York Islanders at bay in a 7-1 win.
The win was Andersen’s 100th career NHL victory.
“I thought he was real solid. I thought they were heavy, we didn’t execute great early,” Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said. “We played good defensively, but they were heavy. I thought Freddie made some real good saves. The better the goalie plays, the more you settle down and the more you dial in. We scored timely goals, and then it got to be a real good situation for us because most games in this league you’re grinding right till the bitter end.”
The win was important in the playoff race as the Leafs put three points between themselves and the Isles for the second wild card.
“As much as it’s just one loss, that’s a humbling loss, that’s [a butt] kicking, I’m sorry,” Islanders coach Doug Weight said. “They played a playoff game tonight; we played a hard game but we didn’t play a playoff game. That’s virtually what it was, right? We win, we’re in the playoffs as far as statistically speaking.”
Auston Matthews scored twice.
Josh Leivo and Nazem Kadri scored in the first period to give the Leafs a rare early lead.
William Nylander, Matt Hunwick, and Tyler Bozak also scored for Toronto.
WATCH: All Islanders vs. Maple Leafs highlights
Jason Chimera scored the Islanders’ goal on a penalty shot after being interfered with a breakaway.
“It’s nice (100th win), but it’s more important for the 26 we have as a team here this year. I think that’s what we worry about here, that’s what we enjoy,” Andersen said.
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