Toronto Maple Leafs Upset By Coyotes, 6-3

The Maple Leafs dropped their Thursday night game to the Arizona Coyotes 6-3, at the Mullett Arena. Toronto’s record fell to 22-8-6, but the team still holds the 2nd seed for the Atlantic Division. 

Toronto had been on a three game winning streak and had claimed seven out of their last ten. The Coyotes became the first team in the NHL to beat Toronto twice this season and have now won three straight. The Coyotes are now 6-1-1 at the Mullett Arena since returning from a 14-game road trip.

Pontus Holmberg, Calle Jarnkrok and Alexander Kerfoot each scored for the Maple Leafs but the Leafs ran out of firepower at the end, giving up 4 goals in the final period. Morgan Reilly had an assist in his return after missing 15 games with a lower body injury. Matt Murray managed 21 saves.

Goal Summary

Nick Bjugstad, who had been goalless in his last five games, scored the first goal in the opening minute, getting the game off to a quick start. The lead didn’t last too long as Conor Timmins and Pontus Holmberg teamed up to tie the game on a powerplay. 

The Leafs went one ahead with another man advantage, with Conor Timmins getting his second assist as he set up Calle Järnkrok with just one second remaining on the power play. 2-1 Maple Leafs after the first period.

Pontus Holmberg gets called for a tripping penalty early in the second, leading to a quick goal from Jakub Chychun to even things out again. Toronto retook the lead shortly after, as Alex Kerfoot slipped one in off a rebound at 11:19 in the 2nd.

It was all Arozina from that point on, as the Coyotes poured in four goals in the third period; one by JJ Molser, two from Jack McBain and an open-netter from Barret Hayton.

Up Next for the Maple Leafs

Next on the calendar for the Maple Leafs will be the Colorado Avalanche on New Years Eve at the Ball Arena. The Avs are currently in the middle of the Central Division of the Western Conference with a record of 19-12-3 but are on a two game skid.

If you’re thinking of betting on the Leafs/Avs game then you should definitely read through our picks for the best NHL betting sites in Ontario.