Leafs win first game under new coach Randy Carlyle
Posted March 4, 2012 8:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Maybe a coaching change was just what the doctor ordered, at least so far, as the Toronto Maple Leafs jumped to a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night.
The Leafs managed to pull themselves out of their prolonged slump by winning their first game under new head coach Randy Carlyle.
David Alter, Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s Leaf reporter, says the players commemorated the win with a gift for the new coach.
“After the game Mike Komisarek picked up the puck and gave it to Dion Phaneuf, the captain presented it to Carlyle following the coach’s post-game speech,” Alter said.
He adds that Carlyle will likely work the team harder than former coach Ron Wilson.
“There are going to be very few days off, and there is going to be a lot higher intensity when it comes to the practices and especially the morning skate,” Alter said.
The Leafs fired Ron Wilson Friday night and hired Carlyle in a bid to re-energize a struggling team for a late run toward the playoffs.
Despite the win the Leafs remain three points back from the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
