Marner sets career high with 98 points, Maple Leafs roll
Toronto Maple Leafs' Michael Bunting (58) celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens with Ryan O'Reilly (90) and Auston Matthews (34) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Toronto. Credit: AP/Frank Gunn
TORONTO — Mitch Marner had two goals and an assist to reach a career-high 98 points for the season, helping the Toronto Maple Leafs rout the Montreal Canadiens 7-1 on Saturday night.
John Tavares scored twice, Auston Matthews had a goal and three assists and William Nylander and Michael Bunting also scored. Ilya Samsonov made 20 saves, and Ryan O’Reilly and Erik Gustafsson each had three assists.
With goaltender Matt Murray still out with a head injury, the Maple Leafs signed University of Toronto netminder Jett Alexander to an amateur tryout contract — for salary-cap management purposes — hours before the game to serve as Samsonov’s backup instead of recalling third-string option Joseph Woll from the minors. Alexander played the final 1:10, but didn’t register a save.
Jonathan Kovacevic scored for Montreal. Sam Montembeault stopped 39 shots.
Locked into a first-round playoff matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto also has clinched home-ice advantage in the series.
UP NEXT
Canadiens: At New York Islanders on Wednesday night.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jett Alexander (40) plays in his first NHL hockey game, against the Montreal Canadiens, during the third period Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Toronto. Credit: AP/Frank Gunn
Maple Leafs: At Florida on Monday night to open a season-ending three-game trip.
