Ajax Native Shines in Stars 6-3 Thumping over Leafs
22-year-old Devin Shore grew up watching the Maple Leafs living just 45 minutes east of the big city, idolizing players like Mats Sundin and Gary Roberts. Last night, Shore played his first career game against the team he rooted for as a kid.
It took Shore just 2:53 into the first frame to get the Stars on the board, steamrolling by Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner. That goal triggered the Stars offensive surge potting four more to lead 5-1 heading into the second period. He also assisted on the second goal before the floodgates opened. You heard that right. Five goals in the first period against the Leafs? Brutal. The last time Toronto allowed five goals in the first period? April 3rd 2009.
Drafted 61st overall in the 2012 draft, Shore has eight goals and 22 points for Dallas. Shore and Tyler Seguin are the only two Stars who have been active for every game this season for Dallas.
In the 2015-2016 season, Shore primarily played in the AHL for the Texas Stars notching 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 23 games. He played just 3 games for Dallas. However, Shore’s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury he suffered before Christmas.
One year later he’s scoring the first goal of the game against his childhood team. According to CBC Sports, Shore said: “I just tried to pick up as much speed as I could, if you can get a little step on the defenceman, you can protect the puck and stick your knee out and get body position. If there's room to cut across, you try that. It happened pretty quick.” Yes it did happen pretty quickly. Shore darted passed the blue line, cut into the face-off circle, protecting the puck from the Leafs top defenceman and fired it forehand past Frederik Andersen.
Despite the score, the Maple Leafs blasted Kari Lehtonen with 43 shots. Lehtonen had an exceptional night making 40 saves. The Leafs are now 10-3-2 in their last 15 road games.
This game for Devin Shore, though, is one he will never forget. The Maple Leafs continue their road trip tomorrow against the St. Louis Blues while the Stars host the Jets.
