Hellebuyck Blanks the Leafs as Devils Win 4-0 in Toronto
Connor Hellebuyck gave Toronto nothing on Sunday night. The Devils won 4-0, and their goalie was the biggest reason the Leafs never got on the board.
The Leafs actually had more of the puck on net in volume, with 54 shot attempts to New Jersey's 45. But Hellebuyck stopped all 23 shots he faced, including all 10 of Toronto's best looks from in tight. He finished at +1.96 goals saved above expected: Toronto's chances were worth about two goals, and he took both away.
The posts helped too. John Tavares and Dakota Mermis each hit one, and those two shots alone were close to a goal's worth of danger. On another night, this one gets a lot more uncomfortable for New Jersey.
At the other end, Timo Meier scored twice on five shots, and Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt each set up two goals. Anthony Stolarz allowed three goals on 28 shots for Toronto. The Devils also scored once on four power plays.
The Leafs fall to 8-8-2 and sit fifth in the wild-card race. The Devils improve to 12-5-0.
