After a sluggish start, the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing catch-up all night in a 6-5 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
Despite a valiant effort in the final minute of regulation, Toronto’s attempt to stage a comeback came up short. Down 5-3, they scored twice in 44 seconds to force overtime and earn a point, pushing their regular-season point total to 90 points and regaining sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division.
However, the Leafs missed out on two points against the Sharks this season – who are ranked dead last in the league – dropping both contests in a shootout.
One bright spot for the Leafs, though, was newly acquired forward Scott Laughton registering his first goal and point as a member of the team.
The tally came at the 15:13 mark of the second period to cut the deficit to one, making it a 4-3 score. His goal broke a 15-game point drought that stretched back to his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, picking up his first in 10 games in Toronto.
The 30-year-old made a strong play in the offensive zone, carrying the puck up the half wall before he wired home a one-timer off a pass from David Kampf, beating Sharks goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
Scott Laughton has his first goal as a member of the @MapleLeafs! 🍁 pic.twitter.com/2opNTZWRG1
— NHL (@NHL) March 28, 2025
It was an important moment for the Oakville, ON, native, who has been working hard to settle into his new role with the Maple Leafs.
“It was nice, probably for my own confidence, and nice to get one for sure. It would have been a lot nicer to get a win and not score,” Laughton admitted after the game. “I know my role on this team, and obviously, contributing is nice, but I know what to bring on a daily basis, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable. Starting to play a little bit better. So, it’s good for myself, but you want to get those two points.”
Head coach Craig Berube had previously urged Laughton to stop overthinking his game, urging him to loosen up and just play freely.
‘He’s Overthinking Things Instead Of Just Playing’: Scott Laughton Remains Pointless With Maple Leafs, Craig Berube Urges Forward To ‘Loosen Up’The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to find their stride, securing back-to-back victories over the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. However, one player in particular remains stuck in a slump – newly acquired Scott Laughton, who has yet to register a point in six games with the Leafs and continues to struggle to find his place in his hometown.
With the postseason approaching, hopefully, this is a step in the right direction for Laughton, who is adjusting to his new environment and working to find his rhythm after joining the Leafs in a trade on March 7.
His teammates know just how much of a breakthrough a goal like that can be down the stretch.
“A lot of fun seeing him rip one home,” said Nylander. “First goal as a Leaf is huge. I’m happy for him.”
“Yeah, it was huge. I think him being from Toronto and everything coming here is extremely exciting. And a lot of us know Lotty from different things. But he’s been an unreal guy coming in here. He brings great energy every day despite whatever comes at him,” added captain Auston Matthews.
He was previously demoted to the fourth line, the “identity line,” amid the struggles and was recently placed back with Max Domi and Nick Robertson on the left wing of the third line for the past couple of games. On Thursday, the 12-year veteran logged 12:28 of ice time, registering two shots on goal, two hits, and two blocks, finishing with a plus-1 rating to go along with his goal.
When at his best, Laughton can provide physicality, depth, and steadiness. His game in San Jose was a key indicator of his capabilities, and he is now looking to build on his recent momentum by stringing together multiple strong outings in a row.
“It was great to see him get a goal tonight. I thought he played great tonight. I thought he matched well on that line and created some really good chances. And that was a big goal that he had for us. So I know that’s a big weight off your shoulders,” said Matthews. “I think that’s just going to continue to carry momentum in his game. He’s just going to continue to be more comfortable as we go along here.”
‘We’ve Got To Be Better, Goalie Included’: Maple Leafs Salvage Point But Struggle In Shootout Loss Against SharksSAN JOSE, Calif. — The Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the San Jose Sharks 6-5 in a shootout at SAP Center on Thursday. Although they picked up a crucial point in the standings, it was yet another example of the Leafs struggling to pounce against a team at the bottom of the NHL standings as they gear up for a playoff run next month.
Despite earning a point against the Sharks, the Leafs have now lost seven of their last 12 games. They dropped the opening contest of their three-game California road trip and will face a back-to-back in Los Angeles on Saturday, followed by a visit to Anaheim on Sunday.
They’ll need to clean things up to finish the weekend on the right foot.
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