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Concerns on a number of fronts were put to bed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in their 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena, as Auston Matthews scored his first of the season and a revamped power play scored for the first time this season.
Players taken ill by the flu contributed to the victory, as both John Tavares and William Nylander scored, along with a pair by Bobby McMann and Morgan Rielly, and Anthony Stolarz was once again impressive in a 32-save effort.
The Leafs defense was also solid in the contest, as they compiled five points, and all but Timothy Liljegren played more than 18 minutes. The only area of concern was the club taking the foot off the gas pedal in the third period leading 5-0, allowing the Kings to score a pair of goals to give them some life.
Berube calls a timeout
"Let's go to work. Gain the offensive zone and go to f--king work...Let's wake the f--k up." pic.twitter.com/rFfH8mxEWJ
Max Pacioretty was a healthy scratch according to head coach Craig Berube. The 35-year-old played the first three games and a strategic scratch gives the veteran a week off in between his last game against Pittsburgh and possibly his next game against the NY Rangers on Saturday night.
Goalie Joseph Woll practiced for the fourth straight day on Thursday at the Ford Performance Centre. Berube indicated that the Leafs starter is making progress, but that the club will be patient and not rush him back from injured reserve until the club is convinced he is 100%.