Leafs fall to Canadiens 4-2 in preseason as roster decisions loom

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a 4-2 preseason game to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, capping a mixed week that included a 7-2 victory over Montreal on Thursday and a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators earlier in the preseason schedule. The results leave the Leafs still sorting roster roles and line chemistry with the regular season less than two weeks away.

Montreal built a two-goal lead in the second period on power play goals by Riley Kidney and rookie Lane Hutson. Alex Newhook added a goal and an assist and Sean Farrell also scored for the Canadiens, who finished with a 29-23 edge in shots. The visitors converted two of three power play chances; Toronto was 1 for 3. John Tavares scored on a second-period power play for the Leafs and William Nylander added a late goal. Montreal goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 21 of 23 shots. Anthony Stolarz made 15 saves for Toronto before Artur Akhtyamov entered in the third and stopped 10 of 11 shots.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube said the game illustrated both positive signs and areas that require attention. After Thursday’s 7-2 win he praised the team’s defensive structure and connected play, saying, "Our forwards...