Smith gets second goal of the year but Minnesota beats Maple Leafs, 3-2

Avon’s Ben Smith scored his second goal of the season Wednesday night in a loss against Minnesota. (Photo courtesy Maple Leafs via Facebook)

TORONTO, Dec. 7 – Avon native Ben Smith scored his second goal of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs but it wasn’t enough as the visiting Minnesota Wild beat the Maple Leafs Wednesday night, 3-2 at the Air Canada Centre.

Minnesota (13-8-1) had a two-goal lead before Smith cut the lead to one when he popped in a rebound off the stick of teammate Nazem Kadri. Minnesota goalie Devan Dubnyk made a big save on the shot from Kadri but the shot went right to Smith, who wasted little time to get the goal with 3:11 left in the first period.

Smith has three points in 19 games this year for Toronto and Colorado with two goals and an assist. The Maple Leafs visit Boston on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the T.D. Bank Garden.

Dubnyk made 35 saves including 17 in the third period to earn the victory in his 300th NHL career start in net. Toronto is now 10-10-5.