Maple Leafs' new hire already paying dividends as power play strikes twice in one period
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs power play quickly takes a resurgence with two power play goals under new PP coach Steve Sullivan.
The Leafs power play is finding their footing in their first game with new power play coach Steve Sullivan, finding two goals on the man advantage against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first period.
Sullivan, previously an assistant coach with the Toronto Marlies, was promoted to the same role with the Leafs following the dismissal of assistant Marc Savard, who had run the Leafs power play.
The decision to let go of Savard came after an 0-10 power play in their last three games with Savard, with the Leafs dropping to last place in the NHL in successful power plays.
Toronto's first game with Sullivan has managed to be successful so far in implementing a power play able to find the back of the net.
Leafs power play shows early boost under Steve Sullivan in first game
The Leafs first game under Steve Sullivan's power play has managed to be a success for Toronto early on with two goals at 5-on-4.
Toronto's first goal came just 40 seconds into the first period as an interference penalty to Fabian Zetterlund got the Leafs an early opportunity seconds after puck drop.
William Nylander quickly broke into open space outside the trapezoid and buried the puck past Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark.
The Leafs got a second power play goal later in the first as a penalty to Senators captain Brady Tkachuk got the Leafs another power play chance.
Toronto buried the puck again to go 2-for-2 on the advantage as Max Domi set up Matthew Knies for a snipe from distance that got the Leafs ahead 2-0.
The Senators got back into the game with goals from Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig got on the scoresheet before a goal from Bobby McMann got the Leafs up 3-2.
Steve Sullivan attempted his best poker face as the Leafs scored on the power play, all professional after his first major success behind the Leafs bench.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 1735 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' new hire already paying dividends as power play strikes twice in one period Do you think Steve Sullivan will turn the Leafs PP around? | ||
| Yes | 1411 | 81.3 % |
| No | 324 | 18.7 % |
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