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Toskala, power play lead Maple Leafs past Senators

Nov 18, 2007 - 4:28 AM TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have what it takes to beat the Ottawa after all.

Darcy Tucker and Mats Sundin scored power-play goals and Vesa Toskala made 24 saves as the Maple Leafs halted a three-game slide with a 3-0 victory over the Senators on Saturday.

Rookie Jiri Tlusty also tallied and defensemen Bryan McCabe and Tomas Kaberle each recorded two assists for Toronto, which had dropped the first three meetings with Ottawa this season and 15 of the last 19.

"I thought we competed all game," Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice said. "Right from the start, we competed. We made some mistakes, but not a lot. A good team like Ottawa will force you into mistakes."

After a scoreless first period and nearly an entire middle session without a tally, Tucker gave Toskala all the support he needed in the final minute of the second.

McCabe unleashed a slap shot from above the slot that was stopped by Martin Gerber, but Tucker kicked the rebound to his stick at the top of the crease and slipped the puck around the goaltender with 45 seconds left in the period for a 1-0 lead.

"Having bodies back helps on the power play," McCabe said. "It was great to see Tucker going to the front of the net. That's what makes our power play successful."

"It doesn't matter who scores, especially on our power play," Tucker said. "If McCabe is covered, someone else is open. If I'm covered, then someone else is open. It doesn't make a difference as long as we get the job done."

Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson thought getting the first goal was the difference in the game.

"Had we gotten that first goal, that would have turned the game around and forced them to change their play," Alfredsson said. "We didn't get it, they did, and that was the difference tonight."

Sundin doubled the advantage at 6:43 of the third, firing a one-timer from just above the left faceoff circle between the pads of Gerber for his 10th goal of the season. The captain has recorded at least one point in each of Toronto's 12 home games.

Toronto was just as strong killing penalties, keeping Ottawa scoreless on four man-advantage opportunities.

"The guys were blocking shots, especially in the first period," Toskala said. "It really helped."

"Our penalty kill has gotten a lot better," Maurice added.

Tlusty capped the scoring with 4:05 to go in the contest, grabbing a loose puck at the left side of the crease, skating around the net and firing it in for his third tally.

Drafted 13th overall in 2006, the 19-year-old Czech has not let a recent scandal affect his play. Earlier this week, compromising photos of Tlusty appeared on the internet, shaming the Czech but not breaking him.

"Jiri Tlusty gets stronger and stronger every shift," Maurice said. "Considering what he's gone through this week, I'd say that's a testament to his character."

Toskala turned aside seven shots in each of the first two periods and 10 in the third for his first shutout of the season and ninth career.

"It was a nice bonus getting my first shutout, but the two points for the win means so much more," Toskala said. "It was a great win."

"It's nice to see T get the shutout," Kaberle said.

Gerber made 15 saves for the Senators, who fell to 5-1-0 on the road.

"We had eight turnovers at their blue line in the second period alone," Ottawa coach John Paddock said. "There's eight chances that we lost to forecheck and eight chances they have to score. For me, that's the game right there."