Laughton's contributions make him popular among Maple Leafs teammates
Blocked shot in Game 6 against Ottawa Senators helped result in empty-net goal by fellow Leaf Nylander
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Scott Laughton won over the Maple Leafs long before he got in front of a blast by Jake Sanderson on Thursday night.
Laughton’s block in Game 6 on a shot by the Ottawa Senators defenceman helped result in an empty-net goal by William Nylander, one that sealed the series for the Leafs.
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Not quite two months since he was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers on March 7, Laughton’s on-ice comfort matches the impression he made on his teammates during his initial days with Toronto.
“He fit in right away,” Leafs captain Auston Matthews said. “A lot of us have known him for a little while, so we had a good idea of the kind of person and player he is and what he brings to our team.
“As time went on, he got more comfortable. He settled into his game. He’s not trying to be somebody he’s not and plays his role to a T. He’s effective at that.”
The line of Laughton between Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok has been percolating for a while and it played a significant role as the Leafs eliminated the Senators. It took some time not only for Laughton to find a niche with the Leafs, but also to get entrenched with specific linemates as coach Craig Berube experimented with several different looks.
Laughton lived in a downtown hotel for a month before moving into his off-season home with his family.
As Laughton found his way on the ice, he had a focus.
“Probably getting out of my own head,” Laughton said. “I was overthinking everything. Early on, you’re thinking about the systems and trying to impress your new teammates and coaching staff and everything like that.
“Being in one place and being comfortable and settled, it’s different. Coming into games and not thinking as much, Stevie and Jarny have helped me in that, I’m just going out and playing simple.”
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Has Laughton had any assists in the NHL that were as painful as the one that came off blocking Sanderson’s shot? It caught Laughton in the upper body.
“No, I have not,” Laughton said with a smile.
Said goalie Anthony Stolarz: “A lot of respect. He’s someone who we brought over for this exact reason. We’re going to need everyone to do that in this series (against the Florida Panthers). That’s what it’s going to take. It’s moments like that which potentially swing series. The selflessness on his part was huge.”
In the dressing room after Game 6, Berube singled out Laughton for the block and Matthews gave Laughton the game puck to place in the team’s playoff game wins board.
“It meant a lot, it was cool for me,” Laughton said. “We get contributions from all over the lineup and to get recognized, it’s always a good feeling.
“We’re going to need a lot more of it in this series and hopefully I can elevate my game and help out this team and contribute in any way.”
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