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Join the conversation as the Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann (74) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen during the second period in Toronto on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube found this performance much more satisfying.
The Leafs ended a two-game losing streak on Tuesday, defeating the Nashville Predators 7-4 at Scotiabank Arena.
Captain Auston Matthews capped off the win with two goals in the third period, including one into an empty net. Matthews’ first goal was set up by rookie Easton Cowan, who recorded his first NHL point with an assist after starting the play in the neutral zone.
In his first start with Toronto after being claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes last week, goaltender Cayden Primeau made 27 saves.
The Leafs bounced back after consecutive losses to the Detroit Red Wings. Following a call-out from Berube for not being fully engaged, winger William Nylander responded with more energy, contributing two assists and scoring an empty-net goal.
Nashville’s Michael McCarron and Erik Haula scored 44 seconds apart to tie the game 2-2 early in the second period. However, Toronto quickly regained control as John Tavares and Bobby McMann restored a two-goal lead by the end of the period. Tavares, who pushed the puck over the line while being checked by Predators captain Roman Josi, is now just five goals shy of becoming the 49th player in NHL history to reach 500 goals, currently sitting at 495. McMann scored on a rush after receiving a pass from Nick Robertson.
The Leafs took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, thanks to goals from defensemen Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. McCabe, who had only two goals last season and didn’t score until January 4, found the net with a point shot. Ekman-Larsson’s shot/pass deflected in off Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt, and he also recorded two assists in the game.
Nashville’s Josi and Nick Perbix scored late in the third period.
For more updates, contact tkoshan@postmedia.com or follow on X: @koshtorontosun.
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