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Maple Leafs’ Jake McCabe jokes about scoring first goal since November after getting ribbed by his kids for never scoring
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Michael Mazzei
Mar 26, 2026, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 26, 2026, 10:26 EDT
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe is relieved to have finally scored his first goal since November 18, as his kids were ripping on him for the drought.
It has been a difficult season for each member of the roster, but few have been through a more difficult stretch than the one McCabe has had to endure for the last few months. His play took a dip, the offence dried up, and yet his usage in high-leverage moments did not waver as he continued to be counted on by head coach Craig Berube.
Given the tough sledding the team had been through this season, McCabe told reporters after the game that the last few games have been fun.
“ It was funny, my kids are giving me a hard time today. They said, ‘Dad, you never score goals, when are you gonna score a goal,'” he said. “ It’s nice to get one, especially in the first period when I know they’re still up watching.  Looking forward to seeing them in the morning and getting their reaction.”
Of course, the Leafs had to secure the victory over the New York Rangers the way the majority of their wins have occurred: with their goalies standing on their heads. Joseph Woll’s performance on Wednesday was reminiscent of the type of goaltending the team got in the 2024-25 season, in which they were outshot to smithereens but had enough offence to hang on.
Woll was able to stop 40 of the 43 shots he faced while also collecting an assist on Dakota Joshua’s second-period goal.
“They’ve been really awesome all year. It’s nice to have depth at the goaltender position.  Stolie made unreal saves last game and Joe steps up tonight,” McCabe said. “ Our penalty kill’s been really good this year. Obviously we let a couple in tonight,  but the reason our penalty kill has been good is cause our best penalty killers are our goaltenders. Those guys deserve a ton of credit for that success, too.”
One aspect of the game that garnered a ton of attention was the fact that members of the Toronto Blue Jays stopped by to cheer on the Leafs. Ernie Clement and George Springer, in particular, were seen numerous times throughout the broadcast, conversing with the fans, doing interviews, and hanging out in the suite with their teammates in a team-bonding moment ahead of their season opener on Friday against the Athletics.
Members of the Leafs were in attendance for Game 2 of the ALDS back in October, so it seemed fitting that the Blue Jays would return the favour.
“ They popped in before warmups, so it was fun,” McCabe said. “ We supported them on their run last year. As they gear up for their season coming up here on Friday I believe, it’s nice for them to come in here and meet them and have them support us ’cause we certainly love watching them.”

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