McKenna ends Leafs’ skid with winner vs. Sharks: Atlantic Division roundup

Maple Leafs snap skid on McKenna’s winner

The only Atlantic Division game on Monday played out in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs downed the San Jose Sharks 3–1. As reported by Sportsnet and La Presse, rookie Gavin McKenna delivered the game-winning goal on a third-period power play, halting a three-game losing streak. Auston Matthews had earlier tied the game late in the second period, also on the man advantage, moving Toronto to 4-4-2 and 10 points in 10 games, sixth in the Atlantic.

Sportsnet highlights how McKenna showcased quick hands in tight before ripping home a highlight‑reel shot to give Toronto the lead, while another Sportsnet piece labels him a “big‑time player” learning to come through when needed. The Hockey News notes that he shook off a recent benching to score one of the Leafs’ biggest goals of the season. William Nylander, who had been considered a game‑time decision due to illness, ultimately drew into the lineup against the Sharks, according to Sportsnet.

Off the ice, roster-building debates continue in Toronto. On Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos urges the Maple Leafs to stop trading so many picks and prospects and to give young players more time to develop. The Hockey Writers argues that Toronto’s overreliance on Matthews and Nylander for offence remains a concern. The Hockey News’ league‑wide injury roundup also lists John Tavares among several notable names, without specifying further details.

In Montreal, focus on maturity and closing out games

In Montreal, all eyes are on tonight’s visit from the Sharks. Eyes on the Prize offers a full game preview for the Canadiens’ ninth outing, laying out start time, TV networks and a Tale of the Tape. Citing TSN, the site notes Cole Caufield’s view that there is no reason to get frustrated despite the mental mistakes creeping into the Canadiens’ game, as the team continues learning how to hold off opponents late.

La Presse, via the “Sortie de zone” podcast, openly wonders whether the Canadiens still lack maturity, pointing to blown leads, avoidable errors and bad penalties in recent games as evidence that old habits are resurfacing. In a separate piece, La Presse reports that both Chris Kreider and head coach Martin St. Louis used the same line — that things are going fine so far — to describe Kreider’s first eight games with Montreal, even as broader questions about the group’s growth remain.

Tkachuk’s Ottawa return, Dahlin’s status and Bruins questions

In Ottawa, we have already broken down Travis Green’s new multi‑year contract extension, which Sportsnet again frames as a reward as the Senators’ contention window opens. The bigger storyline now is Brady Tkachuk. Sportsnet asks how Senators fans will welcome him back on Wednesday in his first game in the capital as a visitor and notes that Tkachuk himself admits he expects to be nervous for the occasion.

The matchup between Ottawa and Florida is all the more intriguing with both clubs sitting on 12 points through nine games and bunched together in the Atlantic standings. Up the road in Buffalo, Sportsnet reports that Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin says he is “ready” to return on Wednesday against the Flyers, potentially boosting a team with 10 points in nine games.

In Boston, Sportsnet examines what Nikita Zadorov’s healthy scratch against the Kings — and his agent’s public comments — could mean for his future with the Bruins, who still sit atop the division at 7-2-0. And in Tampa Bay, Daily Faceoff notes that Colorado’s Logan O’Connor is expected to make his season debut against the Lightning after dealing with a lower‑body injury and time away following his father’s passing.