Easton Cowan is bringing some “young juice” to the Toronto Maple Leafs early in his second NHL season.
Toronto started the season on the wrong foot with a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, but they bounced back immediately.
Cowan, who has three points in two games, scored the game-winning goal and added an assist Wednesday as Toronto beat the New York Islanders 2-1 for its first win of the season.
“The vibes are great,” Cowan said. “Everyone’s positive and just how they welcome me and obviously (Gavin McKenna) too, as a young guy. Everyone’s been great to us. Some young juice and some veterans goes a long way.”
Cowan has opened the season alongside veterans Nick Paul and Colton Sissons in the Leafs’ third forward line. The trio generated Toronto’s opening goal before Cowan scored on the power play to make it 2-0.
Cowan is coming off an uneven rookie season but exploded with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies after the NHL season ended. He scored 18 points in 22 playoff games and credited that experience with boosting his confidence.
“It did a lot,” Cowan said. “I mean anytime you’re playing pro in the playoffs, it helps a lot. So, lot of confidence heading into this year, and I just want to keep it going, it felt great to get that win for sure.”
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Toronto featured Cowan on both special-team units as the Leafs went 1-for-4 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
“It was great to see that type of a win,” head coach Jim Hiller said. “You like to see the easy ones, trust me, when you are standing behind the bench, but you appreciate the hardness, the blocked shots, the desperation at the end. Those always feel pretty good, too.”
Cowan and the Maple Leafs will next host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
