Bruins bounce back to defeat Leafs 5-2
TORONTO – The Boston Bruins spoiled the return of playoff hockey to Toronto, scoring two quick goals in the second period in a 5-2 victory over the Maple Leafs Monday night.
The win came before 19,746 fans inside the Air Canada Centre. Outside, a blue-and-white throng watched on a big screen in Maple Leaf Square as playoff hockey returned to Toronto for the first time since 2004.
After being beaten 4-2 in Boston on Saturday night, the Bruins upped their game. The Leafs, meanwhile, made mistakes and were punished, although they tried to close the gap with a busy third period in which they outshot the Bruins 18-6. The Leafs finished with a 47-38 edge in shots.
Game 4 is Wednesday in Toronto, with Boston leading 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Boston won the opener 4-1.
New York Rangers 4, Washington 3: Derek Stepan and Arron Asham both scored tiebreaking goals in the third period for the New York Rangers in a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3 on Monday night.
The Rangers finally found their offense and got back into their first-round playoff series. New York still trails 2-1 in the Eastern Conference series, with Game 4 here Wednesday night.
Stepan gave the Rangers the lead for good with 6:25 remaining when he deftly tipped in a pass in front from Rick Nash. Asham had put New York in front 3-2 at 2:53, but Jay Beagle got the Capitals even again 4:26 later.
Derick Brassard had a goal and two assists for the Rangers, who managed only one goal in the first two losses in Washington and hadn’t scored since the first period of Game 1 – a scoreless stretch of 124 minutes, 6 seconds.
Calder finalists are Gallagher, Huberdeau and Saad: Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher, Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau and Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad are the three finalists for the Calder Trophy, give to the NHL’s top rookie.
Gallagher played in 44 games, ranking second among rookies with 15 goals and fourth with 28 points.
Huberdeau played in all 48 games for Florida and ranked second both on the team and among NHL rookies with 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists). Among first-year players, he finished third in goals, fourth in assists and third in shots on goal (112).
Saad, a Gibsonia native, ranked fifth among rookies in each of the three major scoring categories – goals (10), assists (17) and points (27).
The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup finals.