WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Auston Matthews scored his NHL-leading fortieth purpose to succeed in 600 profession factors, and the Toronto Maple Leafs accomplished a home-and-home sweep of the Winnipeg Jets with a 4-2 victory Saturday evening.
“I am simply making an attempt to remain constant, making an attempt to work each evening,” stated Matthews. At 527 video games, he is the quickest Toronto participant to succeed in the milestone. “I do not suppose tonight was essentially our greatest sport as a line, however I simply thought we stayed affected person. Simply attempt to stick with it, get a chance on the ability play and make good on it.”
Ilya Samsonov stopped 24 pictures within the closing sport for each groups earlier than the All-Star break. He additionally was in purpose for Toronto within the Maple Leafs’ 1-0 house victory over the Jets on Wednesday evening.
“He was actually good right here tonight. Not simply battling, however trying assured,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe stated about Samsonov.
Hometown favourite Ryan Reaves, John Tavares and Simon Benoit, with an empty-net purpose, additionally scored to assist Toronto win its third straight and enhance to 25-14-8. Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly every had two assists.
Defenseman Dylan Samberg scored his first purpose of the season for Winnipeg. Mason Appleton added a late purpose, and Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves. The Jets have misplaced three straight and 4 of six to fall to 30-12-5.
“I believe the perfect factor is just a little psychological reset,” Winnipeg captain Adam Lowry stated. “I believe that is form of one of many first blocks of adversity we have confronted this yr.”
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The Jets scored on their first shot when Samberg beat Samsonov with a shot from the purpose at 4:13. Reaves, enjoying his first sport since Dec. 14, tipped in Noah McGregor’s shot to tie it with 51 seconds left within the interval.
The Maple Leafs acquired their first energy play early within the third, and Tavares tipped in Rielly’s shot at 1:54 for his thirteenth purpose.
Matthews scored from the excessive slot with 4:32 left. He prolonged his factors streak to 6 video games, with seven objectives and three assists in the course of the run.
Tavares had gone a career-high 9 video games and not using a level, plus he hadn’t scored in 10 video games.
“You simply stick with it and know it’ll come, so clearly good to get it at a vital level within the sport and to provide us the lead,” Tavares stated.
Earlier than the sport, Keefe informed reporters {that a} damaged knuckle will preserve ahead Calle Jarnkrok out for 3 to 4 weeks. The harm occurred Friday in apply when Jarnkrok’s left hand was hit by a shot.
Jarnkrok, 32, has 10 objectives and 19 factors in 46 video games.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
