Craig Berube on Easton Cowan's first NHL point and fit on the Leafs' top line: "He's a dog on a bone out there... He's a worker -- a worker with skill"

"I thought we came out and played a good first period. We were doing things right and got the lead. In the second period, when a team is down, they come out a little more intensely. I called a timeout; our intensity level wasn't where it needed to be, but the guys responded, which was good. Overall, it was a pretty good game with a lot of good things. It's a back-to-back game."

"Like a 70 or 75 out of 100. Not too bad. I've discussed it a number of times with you guys and the team. Teams are always going to push when they are down. We just have to be better at understanding that. In the second period, for me, you have to be direct with the play and the puck. Line changes and your bench matter, and getting defensemen off. All of those little things matter in the second period."

"Very. I thought Willy drove the line. It was with Johnny and Maccelli - it was all three of them - but Willy did what he does. He had the puck. He was making good decisions and driving it deep. He was doing what he does in the offensive zone, but I thought they were responsible defensively. I was happy with the line. They were very impactful tonight."

The Maple Leafs improved to 2-2-0 with a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators. The team produced a strong first period, earned a lead, and showed many positive elements despite the back-to-back. The coach called a timeout in the second period as intensity dipped and the opponent pushed harder. The coach rated his frustration about relinquishing the lead around 70 to 75 out of 100 and emphasized the need for direct play, sharper line changes, and bench management. Cayden Primeau earned his first Maple Leafs win. The Tavares–Nylander–Maccelli line was effective, with Maccelli supplying playmaking support.

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