Steven Lorentz contributed a goal and an assist, while goalie Dennis Hildeby earned his first NHL win as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2 on Thursday night.
Hildeby, a fourth-round pick for Toronto in the 2022 draft, made 22 saves in his NHL debut.
Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, and John Tavares also found the back of the net for Toronto, while Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier scored for New Jersey.
The loss marred the home debut of Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, who previously spent five seasons with the Maple Leafs before being replaced. He took over for Lindy Ruff, dismissed by New Jersey toward the end of last season.
Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom made 18 saves in the loss.
New Jersey entered the game on a high, having swept the Buffalo Sabres last weekend in the NHL Global Series in Prague, outscoring them 7-2 over two games.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s 1-0 defeat in Montreal on Wednesday ended the team’s 252-game streak (including playoffs) of scoring at least one goal, the third-longest in NHL history.
Takeaways
- The Maple Leafs’ defense was crucial in protecting Hildeby, blocking 27 shots overall. Each of Toronto’s six defensemen contributed by blocking at least one shot.
- The Devils struggled on special teams, scoring only one goal in five power-play opportunities.
Key Moment
New Jersey had back-to-back power plays in the second period while trailing 3-1 but failed to convert, managing just five shots on net.
Key Stat
The Maple Leafs have won eight consecutive road games against the Devils, dating back to December 18, 2018. This is the longest active road winning streak against a single opponent.
Up Next
On Saturday, the Maple Leafs will return home to begin a four-game homestand against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Devils will face the Washington Capitals on Saturday.
