Gavin McKenna just had a slumber party with Toronto Maple Leafs captain
Although it took a few games, first-overall pick Gavin McKenna appears to be finding his mojo with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a wholesome night with one of his teammates might deserve some credit.
On Tuesday night, the 18-year-old rookie found the back of the net, scoring his first career NHL goal off a corner pass from Auston Matthews against the Nashville Predators.
The chemistry between the two Maple Leafs first-overall picks appears to be growing, and a little slumber party may have helped.
McKenna revealed to reporters after the game that he and Matthews had a sleepover on Sunday, and it might now have to become a weekly tradition.
"Me and Auston had a little sleepover on Sunday, so we might have to do that and have a weekly sleepover now," McKenna said.
"It was a good time. Just hung out, had a couple sandwiches, watched some football, and went to bed."
Honestly, we're not sure there's a better way to spend a Sunday.
Prior to Tuesday's game, McKenna had received some flak from Toronto sports media after recording zero points and just three shots on goal through his first three games.
The rookie even joked the criticism was his "welcome to Toronto" moment.
His breakout game against Nashville silenced the naysayers.
McKenna finished the night with two points, scoring his first goal and picking up an assist on his roommate John Tavares' first goal of the season — which also happened to be his first NHL point.
"Every single game, I've been trying to get better, and I thought obviously tonight was my best one," McKenna said to reporters after the game.
"So I think I'm taking steps in the right direction, and hopefully there are a few more [goals] to come."
McKenna and the Maple Leafs wrapped up their four-game homestand with a 2-2 record and now head out on their first West Coast swing of the season, with tough games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Mammoth.
Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images
