Marner extends point streak to 18, Maple Leafs defeat Sharks

TORONTO -- Mitchell Marner extended his point streak to 18 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 3-1 win against the San Jose Sharks at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.

Marner scored into an empty net with 1:11 remaining for the 3-1 final. He has 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) during his streak, which is tied with Darryl Sittler (1977-78) and Eddie Olczyk (1989-90) for the longest in Toronto history.
"That was really special. That meant a lot," said Marner, who received a standing ovation as the goal was announced to the crowd. "I've got my family here, and it was a special moment. Obviously, they're not beside me, but I'm sure they were in the crowd loving that moment too, and just taking it in with me. It was a special moment to grow up in this city, be a huge fan of this team, and now have my name with a couple unbelievable players, it's pretty special. That kid growing up would have never expected this, and now that it's kind of a reality, it's a cool moment, but obviously winning the game is more important."

Auston Matthews and Pierre Engvall scored, and Alex Kerfoot had two assists for the Maple Leafs (15-5-5), who have won five straight and extended their point streak to 10 games (8-0-2). Ilya Samsonov made 23 saves in his return after missing 12 games because of a knee injury.
"We're all so pumped for [Marner]," Matthews said. "During this stretch, he's been playing unbelievable leading our team on both sides of the puck and just competing every night. We're all so happy for him. It took to the last minute of the game and a few scares, but we're happy he got it."
Matt Nieto scored for the Sharks (8-14-4), who have lost four of five (1-3-1). Aaron Dell made 29 saves in his season debut.
"It's tough," Nieto said. "Everyone in this room thinks we played good enough to at least get a point there. It's just unfortunate we give up one late and we're clawing back with two minutes to go and just can't seem to get one. So, that one hurts."
Matthews gave Toronto a 1-0 lead at 4:19 of the second period when he redirected in a slap pass from Mac Hollowell at the top of the crease. It was his third straight game with a goal.
"Just a beautiful play by him," Matthews said. "Great vision, great poise. I just tried to get in a good spot for him, and [he] put it right on my tape. A special play by him. A lot of fun celebrating that one for sure."

Nieto tied it 1-1 at 7:26, scoring five-hole with a one-timer from in front off a pass from Logan Couture from behind the net.
Engvall put the Maple Leafs back in front 2-1 with 2:27 left in the third period. David Kampf intercepted a cross-ice pass in the neutral zone by Tomas Hertl and dropped the puck to Kerfoot, whose shot from above the left circle was kicked out by the pad of Dell right to Engvall.
"Kampf did a good job putting it out there to Kerfoot, and I think he shot it at the pad there for me," Engvall said. "I just saw the puck bounce out and I just tried to shoot it on the net, so it was nice to get it in."
Hertl was critical of himself for the turnover that led to the game-winning goal.
"It's all on me," Hertl said. "I cost us two points because I made a stupid play."

Nieto said Hertl shouldn't shoulder the responsibility for the loss, though.
"We don't have to say anything to him," Nieto said. "The loss isn't on him. He's won us many games here. He's a great leader and a role model for everyone in the room."
Sharks coach David Quinn added, "Obviously, it's a turnover we'd like to have back. I know he'd like to have it back, you could see it on his face the moment it happened, but those things happen in a game."
Toronto finished November 11-1-3 after going 4-4-2 in October.
"We're in a good place here now and feeling good as a team," Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. "We've got a lot of confidence and feel we are where we should be. If we started better, we'd be in an even better spot, but maybe if we didn't start the way we did, maybe we don't have as good a November. A lot of things happen over 82 games. Feel good about this month, but the calendar is going to turn."
NOTES: Toronto forward Calle Jarnkrok left the game at 13:09 of the second because of a groin injury. Keefe said he will have imaging done and will "miss some time" but does not know the full extent of the injury yet.