Max Pacioretty, Leafs down Ducks despite Anthony Stolarz's injury

Field Level Media|published: Thu 12th December, 22:02 2024

NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs

Dec 12, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty (67) scores against the Anaheim Ducks while lying on the ice during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Max Pacioretty had two goals and an assist and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the visiting Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Thursday night.

William Nylander also scored a goal and John Tavares added two assists for the Maple Leafs, who have won two in a row.

Anthony Stolarz (lower-body injury) played only the first period for Toronto, making seven saves on eight shots. Joseph Woll replaced him to start the second period and made 19 saves.

Jackson LaCombe had a goal and an assist for the Ducks, who have lost five in a row. Frank Vatrano also scored and Ryan Strome added two assists.

Lukas Dostal stopped 30 shots for the Ducks, who were playing their third game in four nights.

Toronto led 2-1 after the first period.

Pacioretty scored at 6:57 on a 7-foot backhand. Tavares set him up with a deft, no-look, backhand pass.

Nylander batted in a fluttering puck after Pacioretty's pass for his 18th goal of the season at 14:17.

Vatrano scored on a power play at 15:56 on a shot from the right circle through traffic that went in off the post. LaCombe made the final pass from the left point. Simon Benoit was serving a holding penalty.

Pacioretty tipped in Conor Timmins' point shot for his fourth goal of the season for a 3-1 lead at 12:54 of the second period.

LaCombe answered 65 seconds later on a 34-footer from the slot on a pass from Strome.

Toronto's Auston Matthews hit the goal post with a 7-foot shot at 9:25 of the third period.

Anaheim's Alex Killorn was left alone 9 feet in front of the goal but could not control the puck at 11:41 of the third.

Anaheim was not able to remove Dosal for an extra attacker until there was one minute to play.

Toronto defenseman Jake McCabe (upper-body injury) returned on Thursday after missing five games and had one assist.

Anaheim activated center Robby Fabbri (knee) from injured reserve Thursday after he missed 13 games. He had no points. Forward Sam Colangelo was sent to San Diego of the American Hockey League.

--Field Level Media

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