Fraser Minten scored his first NHL goal during the Maple Leafs’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, with assists from William Nylander and another Swedish player. Minten, in his fifth NHL game and first of the season, found the back of the net in the first period after Nylander made a slick backhand pass.
The Leafs played a physical game, especially after a heavy hit on Matthew Knies from Zach Whitecloud in the second period, marking the seventh Toronto forward sidelined due to injury. Despite this, the team held strong, with goaltender Joseph Woll making 31 saves for his second career shutout and several teammates, including Steven Lorentz, blocking 25 shots, particularly during the team’s penalty kills.
Toronto’s William Nylander added a power-play goal in the third period to give the Leafs a cushion, and Pontus Holmberg sealed the win with an empty-netter. Nikita Grebenkin, in his NHL debut, set a tough tone early with a hit on Shea Theodore, while Knies’ hit from Whitecloud sparked further scrums, involving players like John Tavares.
The Leafs have now won six of their last seven games and remain undefeated (10-0-0) when leading after two periods. Despite a 57-year Stanley Cup drought, the team enjoyed some pre-game celebration with the Argonauts’ championship trophy.