Marner not losing sleep over end of goal streak

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who held a media availability on Saturday afternoon in Vancouver. 

Mitch Marner saw his goal streak come to an end on Thursday, but not from a lack of trying. He fired a career high 10 shots on net against the Flames. 

"Our line did a pretty good job of gathering shots and getting around the net and getting opportunities and sometimes it just doesn't fall for you," the winger said.

Marner had scored in eight straight since returning from the COVID protocol.

"It's definitely a hard thing to do and you have to get pretty lucky," he said. "I was pretty happy with how our line was playing on the offensive side [Thursday] night, being around the net and all over the puck. No real quit in our group."

Auston Matthews matched a season high by putting eight shots on net in the loss. Toronto's top line was finally rewarded when Michael Bunting scored in the third period.  

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Wayne Simmonds got an early wake-up call on Wednesday from his pregnant wife.  

"It's pretty crazy," he said. "I went to sleep and got woken up at five in the morning by my wife and she said it was go time. So, we got to the hospital around 7:30 and after that it was me supporting mom and waiting for our angel to come."

Daughter Kapri was born shortly thereafter. It's Simmonds' second child. 

Simmonds missed Wednesday's practice, Thursday's game and Friday's practice before rejoining the team late last night. He skated on Saturday morning. 

"I feel pretty good," the 33-year-old said. "I'm not too worried about that aspect. I'm kind of riding a high right now. I'm looking forward to playing this game."  

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Jake Muzzin seemed a bit rusty as he returned to