Mike Babcock has his first win as Toronto's head coach. It had to happen eventually, but a 6-3 thrashing of the Columbus Blue Jackets has to feel good for the former Detroit bench boss. While the Blue Jackets slide lower and lower down the NHL standings without a win in five games, a 34-shot performance by the Maple Leafs gives them their first win of the 2015-16 season.
NHL scores 2015: Mike Babcock wins 1st with Toronto, Martin Jones continues to shine for Sharks
Confidence is paying off for two of Friday’s victorious teams.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Centerman Daniel Winnik had three assists while Joffrey Lupul scored the eventual game winner three minutes after the Blue Jackets tied the game at three in the final period.
It was a rocky few games for Babcock and the Leafs, but it seems things are looking up after the team gave the new head coach the victory game puck.
Mike Babcock was given the game puck by players tonight after his first "W" with the #leafs.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 17, 2015 Over in New Jersey, San Jose netminder Martin Jones continued his dominance in net, but lost his shutout bid after over 200 minutes of scoreless play, setting a new record for the Sharks.
The Sharks also are being rewarded for their confidence in Jones after picking the netminder up in the offseason.
Sharks' G Martin Jones has 4 straight wins to start his SJ career. He saw his scoreless streak end at 238:11.Has allowed 3 G on 134 shots.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) October 17, 2015 Scores
Sharks 2, Devils 1
Maple Leafs 6, Blue Jackets 3
Hurricanes 5, Red Wings 3
3 things we learned
1. Two-goal leads are still dangerous
Many say the most dangerous lead in a hockey game is a two-goal lead. Both the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes almost fell victim to the famous adage in their respective games, but each were able to pull away before the final horn. The Maple Leafs saw a two-goal lead collapse in a three-minute span between the second and third periods against the Blue Jackets, though three straight goals by Toronto put the win away. Carolina gave up two straight in 72 seconds to the Red Wings to cut their lead to 3-2, but Detroit fell apart in the third period before they could complete the comeback.
2. The Blue Jackets need help, desperately
After their worst loss of the season in a 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Senators Wednesday, the Blue Jackets sunk even lower as the Toronto Maple Leafs put up a six-spot on Columbus Friday night. It's all going wrong right now for the Blue Jackets, from the lack of offense, horrendous defense, and confused goaltending. All eyes now turn to head coach Todd Richards as Columbus tumbles to 0-5 with the loss.
Whispers in Columbus the last 2 days suggest Jackets could already have plan in place if team doesn't turn it around. 1min til they're 0-5
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 17, 2015 3. We all want to have victory pizza with Brent Burns
Cool the mitts. Devour the #PostgamePizza. pic.twitter.com/q0x9asfvvA
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 17, 2015 Yum.
Impact Moment
This early season goal of the year contender by Dustin Byfuglien broke a 1-1 tie late in the third against the Calgary Flames, sealing the Jets' fourth win of the season. Silky smooth, Big Buff.
Stat of the Night
Via Elias: @NHLCanes' Brock McGinn (0:55) is fastest to score a goal in his NHL debut since Alexander Mogilny on Oct. 5, 1989 (0:20 w/ BUF).
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 17, 2015 At this point, which rookie doesn’t have their first NHL goal a week and a half into the season?
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