McElhinney makes 33 saves, Johnsson scores first NHL goal as Leafs blank Habs
TORONTO — Minus their starting goalie, best player and two other regulars, the Toronto Maple Leafs did what they’ve done a lot lately — pick up a victory at Air Canada Centre.
Curtis McElhinney made 33 saves for his third shutout of the season and rookie winger Andreas Johnsson scored his first NHL goal as the Leafs thumped the lowly Montreal Canadiens 4-0 to extend their club-record home winning streak to 12 straight games Saturday.
Star centre Auston Matthews missed his ninth consecutive outing with a shoulder injury, and netminder Frederik Andersen was sidelined for a second game in a row, but it didn’t matter as Toronto once again showed its organizational depth.
“That’s what you need,” Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said. “You need all your hands on deck.”