Khristich Produces as Maple Leafs Win

Dmitri Khristich got his first points for Toronto with a goal and an assist, and Curtis Joseph made 17 saves for his second shutout of the season as the Maple Leafs defeated the visiting Dallas Stars, 4-0, Monday night.

Khristich, who signed with Toronto last week, and linemates Mike Johnson and Nik Antropov combined for six points in only their second game as a unit.

“They have the skills that can blend with one another to produce a good threesome instead of three good onesomes,” Coach and General Manager Pat Quinn said. “We’ll leave them together for a while and see how they develop.”

Johnson also had a goal and an assist for Toronto, while rookie Antropov assisted on both goals.

“I felt really good out there and, with time, we’re going to get even better,” Khristich said.

Khristich became a free agent after the Boston Bruins refused to pay him the $2.8 million he was awarded by an arbitrator in August.

Steve Thomas and defenseman Tomas Kaberle also scored for the Maple Leafs.