Scott Laughton pokes fun at unsuccessful penalty shot during loss to Red Wings

Earning his seventh goal of the year, Laughton shared how he saw it go down.

“He fans on it, tried to go in for a rebound, and I was lucky enough that it bounced off a stick and I had a wide open net,” he said.

Late in the third, Laughton almost added a second. While shorthanded, the 31-year-old was hooked on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. Unfortunately, he couldn’t convert, mishandling the puck.

After the game, he was asked if he considered a slap shot (a move he’s had success with on shorthanded breakaways this season) and he poked some fun at his attempt.

“I was too tired, I should have faked a broken stick and let Matthews go or something,” he joked. “I’ve done that move before, just lost the puck. That’s pretty much it. I could probably shoot it there, it’s easy to say once I watch it again, slow it down, do all that, but that doesn’t go in. Sun comes up tomorrow and we get back at it.”

The Leafs have a day off on Thursday, but then it’s back to business for a showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, as Mitch Marner returns to Toronto for the first time since departing the Maple Leafs. Asked about Marner’s return, Laughton previewed what he expects to be a passionate home crowd.

“I’m sure it’s gonna be… loud,” Laughton said.