Ottawa Daily Digest — March 7, 2026

Big night for Kucherov: Nikita Kucherov had three assists in a four-goal first period and one more in the third to reach 100 points as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on March 7, 2026. Tampa (39-18-4) snapped a four-game slide, sits atop the East with 82 points (17 clear of Toronto), Andrei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves, and Toronto (27-26-11) — booed off the ice — fell further from a playoff spot.

Deadline stress for Ekman-Larsson: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, 34, said he was relieved to still be a Maple Leaf after being held out of two games while the team shopped him ahead of the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. The 4-year, US$14-million signing from July 2024 leads Toronto’s defence with 35 points (8 goals, 27 assists) in 61 games, but the club (27-26-11) sits 10 points out of a playoff spot and has sputtered since January.

Record warmth and rain warning: Environment Canada warned of heavy rain, fog and possible flooding with 15–40 mm expected in parts of southern Ontario; Toronto hit a daily high of 17.4°C (breaking the 2012 mark of 16.7°C). The mild stretch is expected through Wednesday with 10–17°C and more showers through Saturday evening; frozen ground could increase runoff, so drivers should avoid flooded roads.

Synagogues shot at overnight: Two Toronto-area synagogues were struck by gunfire overnight — York Regional Police responded about 11:49 p.m. Friday near Clark Ave and York Hill Blvd in Thornhill, and Toronto police found bullet holes after a 12:08 a.m. report near Bathurst and Glencairn — thankfully no injuries. Prime Minister Mark Carney and local officials condemned the attacks, extra police presence is planned and authorities are asking anyone with tips or video to come forward.