Luke Fox

Is Auston Matthews ready to break out? Luke Fox explores the Toronto Maple Leafs sniper chase to get his goal-scoring production back up, his early NHL award picks and more in Quick Shifts.

DETROIT — Missed nets, a missing skate blade and a missed opportunity. In a back-and-forth affair in front of a red-and-blue crowd that broke into a rhythmic, oxymoronic “Let's Go, Red Wings!

The Toronto Maple Leafs were searching for 60 minutes of great hockey. They’ll settle for a timely two-and-a-half against a fragile foe.

Amid three potentially derailing stresses — the removed captaincy, the national-team disappointment, the uncertain future in Toronto — John Tavares has thrived. The Maple Leafs centre is producing very nice numbers under new coach Craig Berube.

DALLAS — As the late, great Muhammad Ali once said: “It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.”

The Maple Leafs were slow to start again but Joesph Woll and another impact game from the third line produced a comeback win.

After 628 days of rehab, recovery, and refining, Matt Murray has finally returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ crease.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Matt Murray is happy he took the advice. Six hundred and twenty-nine days ago — prior to the double hip surgery and the

Auston Matthews needs another break

TORONTO — Spot a lockdown defensive team two goals before you register two shots, and you're bound to get a result like the Toronto Maple Leafs earned Saturday.