Hockey Night Highlights from Saturday
TORONTO – SPORTS – Auston Matthews scored twice to extend his goal streak to seven games leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-1 win against the Canucks on Saturday.
“We were just consistent throughout the whole game,” says Matthews, who has scored nine goals during his streak. “We didn’t have any big lapses. They had their chances, but we really stuck with our structure and forced them to the outside for a full 60 minutes, so I think it was a really solid game for us.”
Mitchell Marner had three assists to anchor the win.
Wayne Simmonds scored twice, Zach Hyman had a goal as well as an assist for the Maple Leafs (9-2-1), who have a seven-game point streak (6-0-1).
Frederik Andersen made 27 saves almost getting the shutout but the Canucks scored to end that with a goal with minutes left in the game.
“Vancouver had their pushes, but I did like our start, we knew that was going to be really important tonight,” stated Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe. “We wanted to establish our game, and I thought we were able to do that. Vancouver pushed back pretty hard in the last seven or eight minutes of the first period, but we were able to extend our lead in the second, which was really important.”
OTTAWA – SPORTS – Jake Allen made 34 saves backstopping the Canadiens to a 2-1 win against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon.
“He’s real calm in the net, you can see it throughout the whole game,” says Canadiens’ forward Nick Suzuki. “He plays the puck well, he’s always pretty much making the first save and it’s up to us to find those rebounds. He’s played great every single game he’s been in the crease for us. We’re lucky to have him behind Carey [Price].”
Allen, who didn’t allow a goal on 27 shots after the first period, is 4-1-0 with a 1.81 goals-against average and .940 save percentage this season.
“That’s why I’ve been brought in here, to give Carey some rest,” stated Allen. “He has played the most minutes in the League in the last five, six years. I’ve got to come in here and play well for the team, but also really spot him and make sure he’s fresh as can be.”
CALGARY – SPORTS – Sam Bennett scored his first goal of the season for the Calgary Flames in a 6-4 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Bennett had three shots, three hits and two blocks along with 11:29 of ice time after he was a healthy scratch in a 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.
“I think it’s great for my personal confidence, but I think more importantly it’s the win for our team and the solid effort from everyone that really excited me the most,” Bennett said.
However Bennett, according to his agent is looking to be traded from the Flames.
