The Toronto Maple Leafs tied their record for wins in a season and gained ground in the Atlantic Division with a 4-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre on Saturday.
Frederik Andersen made 38 saves for the Maple Leafs (45-23-7), who moved within five points of the Boston Bruins for second place in the Atlantic having played two more games.
“I thought Detroit played really hard and made it hard on us,” Toronto coach Mike Babcock said. “We told our team before the game they were going to make it hard on us, they were going to be above us, and they were going to compete defensively. I don’t know if anybody believed me, but part way through the game they did. They’re a prepared team and worked hard yet we found a way to win. On a night where you don’t have your best stuff, if you can find a way to win, it’s a real good sign.”