Cowan joins young Maple Leafs standouts with three-point period

Easton Cowan scored three points in the second period of Toronto’s 6-2 victory over Columbus. In the past 25 years, only Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews had done that for the Maple Leafs at age 21 or younger.

Cowan assisted on goals by Matthews and Jack Roslovic and scored shorthanded in the seventh minute of the period. Toronto won the middle frame 4-0 to take a 5-1 lead into the final period.

The club said Marner had recorded three points in a period three times at age 21 or younger, while Matthews had achieved the feat twice. Cowan has now joined them.

Cowan also became the first Toronto player age 21 or younger to score shorthanded since Marner, who did so on February 14, 2019.