Easton Cowan had a goal and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Islanders 2–1 on Wednesday, giving Jim Hiller his first victory as Toronto’s head coach.
Anthony Stolarz made 26 saves at Scotiabank Arena, and the Maple Leafs scored both their goals during the first period. Toronto improved to 1–1, while the Islanders lost their season opener under coach Peter DeBoer.
Colton Sissons put Toronto ahead at 7:14, tipping a shot after Cowan helped create the play. The Islanders had registered the game’s first four shots before Toronto recorded its first attempt shortly before the opening goal.
Cowan then scored on the power play at 11:55. Morgan Rielly kept the puck in the offensive zone, and Cowan finished a rebound from Jack Roslovic’s attempt to make it 2–0.
The 21-year-old forward is starting his second full NHL season. He produced 11 goals and 18 assists in 66 regular-season games last season, then added 18 points in 22 American Hockey League playoff appearances during a Calder Cup championship run.
New York’s only goal came shorthanded at 14:09 of the third period. Bo Horvat set up Emil Heineman, whose finish reduced Toronto’s lead to one with less than six minutes remaining.
The Islanders could not score at even strength or on any of their four power plays. Toronto killed two penalties in the third period and finished 1-for-4 with the man advantage.
Ilya Sorokin stopped 24 shots for New York. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer led all players with 27:45 of ice time and recorded three shots. Gavin McKenna, making his regular-season debut after being selected first overall in the 2026 draft, played 15:32 and put one shot on goal.
Hiller took over Toronto’s bench in June after the departure of Craig Berube. His first win came through two early goals and a scoreless second period, followed by Stolarz and the penalty killers protecting the remaining lead in the third.
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