With two goals in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 6-5 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at Scotiabank Arena, Auston Matthews topped the entire San Jose Sharks team in goals.
The California team’s setbacks have been well-documented early in the season, scoring just 12 goals in 11 games, but it’s also important to acknowledge that the Leafs’ sniper is in full swing. The mustachioed man has now hit the target 13 times in 12 games.
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Matthews helped Toronto bounce back after a period in which they trailed 4-1. Nikita Kucherov had a great start to the game and was a part of all four of the Lightning’s wins. The guests chased away goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov after 15:13.
His replacement, Joseph Woll, was much more efficient with 18 saves on 19 shots. With his goalie resisting, Calle Jarnkrok took advantage of the opportunity to give the Leafs the win in overtime with his second goal of the game.
Mitch Marner also scored four points, building up great chemistry with young Matthew Knies. After breaking into the front row, the rookie winger didn’t disappoint with a goal and two assists.
Texier opens his counter
At Sunrise, Alexandre Texier scored his first National League points in a long time, but unfortunately for him, his Columbus Blue Jackets were beaten 5-4 in overtime by the Florida Panthers.
The Frenchman decided to play last season in Switzerland to be closer to his family and returned to Ohio fresh and ready. Except nothing really helped him at the start of the campaign. However, he bounced back well with a goal and an assist against the Panthers.
Texier’s first points since January 13, 2022 failed to deter Florida from resistance. The Jackets scored four unanswered goals, but Nick Cousins equalized with 57 seconds left in the third period. Carter Verhaeghe gave his team the victory in overtime.