TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs cruised to a commanding 7-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, with William Nylander delivering a standout performance. Fresh off signing an eight-year contract extension, Nylander tallied three assists, contributing to the Maple Leafs’ dominant win.
Nylander, leading the team in scoring with 57 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in 38 games, showed why he’s worth the $92 million contract, drawing an ovation from the crowd. Mitchell Marner shone brightly with two goals and two assists, while Jake McCabe added a goal and two assists. Goalie Martin Jones was solid between the pipes, making 22 saves for Toronto (21-10-7), now on a four-game winning streak.
The Sharks (9-29-3) struggled to find their footing, with Henry Thrun scoring the lone goal. Goalie Kaapo Kahkonen allowed four goals on 20 shots before being replaced by Mackenzie Blackwood. The Sharks’ woes were evident as they suffered their 12th consecutive defeat, with coach David Quinn expressing disappointment in the team’s performance.
The Maple Leafs took control early, with Morgan Rielly scoring off Nylander’s assist. Matthews extended the lead with a power-play goal, and Marner and Pontus Holmberg further widened the gap. Despite Thrun’s effort in the second period, the Maple Leafs continued their onslaught in the third, with McCabe, Marner, and Nicholas Robertson scoring.
Toronto’s defense was noteworthy, spending less time in their zone and efficiently moving the puck out. Marner achieved a personal milestone, surpassing Frank Mahovlich in franchise points and securing second place in career four-point games. Matthews also made his mark, surpassing George Armstrong in power-play points for the team.
The Sharks, struggling on the road with a 3-17-1 record away from home, felt the impact of tight games and a lack of confidence. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, displayed their strength and cohesion, with coach Sheldon Keefe praising their efficiency and hard defense.
