Leafs beat Predators 7-4 at Scotiabank Arena

The Toronto Maple Leafs snapped a two-game skid with a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators at Scotiabank Arena. John Tavares and Oliver Ekman-Larsson each had a goal and two assists, Auston Matthews scored twice including an empty-netter, and William Nylander added an empty-net goal and two assists; Matthew Knies had three assists and Jake McCabe and Bobby McMann also scored. Rookie Easton Cowan recorded his first NHL point with an assist on Matthews’ game-winning rush. Cayden Primeau made 26–27 saves to earn the victory. Nashville’s goals came from Nick Perbix, Michael McCarron, Erik Haula and Roman Josi, and coach Andrew Brunette faulted sloppy front-of-net play and stick battles that left goalie Justus Annunen exposed. The Leafs will host the New York Rangers on Thursday as part of a five-game homestand, while Nashville continues its road trip in Montreal.