JVR Spells Victory for Toronto

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Coach Carlyle called his boys out and they answered handing the Pens their first loss of the season 5-2. James van Riemsdyk proved his worth jamming in two goals for Toronto and goalie James Reimer stopped 28 shots in the win. Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tyler Bozak also scored for the Leafs spoiling Pittsburgh’s home-opening night.

Evgeni Malkin, reigning MVP, scored the first goal for the Pens past a shaky Reimer late in the first. Pittsburgh, coming off two big road wins against the Rangers and Philly, looked poised to dominate. Toronto came back with two quick goals in the second only to witness Sidney Crosby break away and tally his first goal of the season to tie the game 2-2. After the Kid’s goal it was Toronto’s show with JVR’s second goal of the night giving the Leafs a 3-2 edge. Toronto kept the pressure on with Grabovski adding to the lead and Bozak sealing the deal with a power play goal in the third.

With the win however, Toronto lost winger Joffery Lupul who left in the second after taking a shot from teammate Dion Phaneuf in the arm. The Leafs see action again tonight looking for their first at home victory.