Leafs pull clear in third period to beat Habs
The Toronto Maple Leafs started their new season with a 5-2 defeat of their big rivals, the Montreal Canadiens at home. It took the Buds just a minute to go in front at the Scotiabank Arena through Bobby McMann. Their lead would not last long though, as the Habs responded four and a half minutes later through Oliver Kapanen despite being shorthanded.
It was the visitors' turn to take the lead early on in the period, as Zachary Bolduc gave his team the lead 90 seconds into the second. In what was a mirror image of the opening frame, the Leafs responded less than five minutes later through Calle Jarnkrok.
Both teams had 17 shots in the middle period in what was a close game throughout. In the end, the Leafs grabbed their winner midway through the third. Morgan Reilly was the difference-maker as he finished off a one-on-one to put the home team back in front.
While Montreal spent the final 10 minutes trying to come up with another response, they ultimately fell short. Auston Matthews and William Nylander added empty net goals near the end to complete the scoring.
Next for the Maple Leafs will be a trip to Detroit to face the Red Wings on Saturday. As for the Habs, they they will also face Detroit on the road, with that contest occurring on Thursday.
Bruins start off with win over Caps
The Boston Bruins, who are coming off a season where they missed the playoffs, came away with a 3-1 success over the Washington Capitals. Interestingly, the opening period saw no goals despite four penalties - three of which were given to the Bruins.
The Caps had more of the opportunities in the second frame, but could not do enough to go in front. They were punished with 7:53 left in the period, as David Pastrnak silenced the home fans with the game's opening goal.
Washington, who had the joint-second most regulation wins last term, found their leveller seven minutes into the third as Tom Wilson converted from close range. Less than a minute later though, the home side was back behind as Elias Lindholm gave the Bruins a second lead off a power play.
Morgan Geekie added a third inside the final minute as Boston left the American capital with the win. Washington will have a couple of days to recover before they make the trip to New York to face the Islanders. As for the Bruins, they go back home to take on the Chicago Blackhawks.
