The Maple Leafs kicked off their week Monday with their first home win of the season – a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars at Air Canada Centre – thanks in part to a pair of goals from left winger Joffrey Lupul. And, if Toronto can continue receiving regular production from veterans such as Lupul, they’re going to fare better than they did in a tough opening stretch of the year.
The Stars came into the game as one of the league’s hottest teams and the top club in the Western Conference standings – and despite outshooting the Leafs 44-26 on the night and fighting to a 1-1 tie after the first period, Dallas was beaten regularly by Toronto in puck battles and the Buds made them work for their ice all night.