NHLSep 30
McKenna Makes NHL Debut as Maple Leafs Drop Opener to Canadiens
Toronto’s No. 1 overall pick went without a point in his first NHL appearance, while William Nylander’s goals were not enough to overcome Montreal.
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McKenna gets his first NHL test
Gavin McKenna’s NHL career began with a home defeat Tuesday as the Toronto Maple Leafs fell 3-2 to the Montreal Canadiens in the season opener for both teams. The 18-year-old No. 1 overall pick logged 15:19 of ice time, recording one shot on net and two giveaways. He finished without a point and was minus-2. McKenna was disappointed with his performance, particularly his turnovers, but welcomed the chance to put his debut behind him. With Toronto playing again Wednesday, he viewed the quick return to action as an opportunity to regroup.
Montreal holds off Toronto
Josh Anderson and Alexandre Carrier each contributed a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, while Zack Bolduc also found the net. Jakub Dobes made 25 saves to help Montreal secure the victory. William Nylander supplied all of Toronto’s scoring with two goals. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 21 shots in his first appearance for the Maple Leafs.
A changed roster takes the ice
The opener offered Toronto its first look at a reshaped team following an offseason of change. The Maple Leafs had missed the playoffs last spring for the first time in a decade. McKenna and Russian winger Kirill Marchenko were among the newcomers making their Toronto debuts, alongside seven other teammates. McKenna drew much of the attention, but the new-look lineup opened its season still searching for a win.
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