Frederik Gauthier is no goal scorer, even with two in his last three games, but having some pucks find the back of the net after two years of adversity will certainly buoy the spirits.

“It feels good,” said Gauthier, the Maple Leafs’ fourth-line centre, who has played 30 games with steady ice time for the first time in his NHL career. “I think I was banging on the door for a long time there, getting a lot of chances. So when they go in, of course it feels awesome.”

His production of late has been the result of hard work, embracing the challenges presented by the coaching staff.

“My skating, as a big guy, it’s always something you have to work on,” said the six-foot-five Gauthier, referring to the knock against him from early in his career. “My faceoffs, too. It was a rough start to the season, but I think it’s getting better. And (the need to play) heavy, be hard to play against.”

Gauthier, drafted 21st overall in 2013, has managed career highs in faceoff win percentage (51.6) and total ice time (250 minutes), doing his part to meet coach Mike Babcock’s expectations on a line with Par Lindholm and Trevor Moore.

The big centre was out for several months with a leg injury after a late hit by Jake Dotchin of the Syracuse Crunch during the AHL playoffs in May of 2017. He returned to the Marlies earlier than expected, though, and went on to score an overtime goal in the team’s Calder Cup championship march this past spring — setting up his opportunity with the Leafs this season.

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Goal differential is a measure of success for fourth-liners and Gauthier — who signed a two-year, two-way contract extension in July — has been on the plus side, despite the fact that his shifts start in the defensive zone 66 per cent of the time. He has been on the ice for 10 Leaf goals and seven by the opposition.

“It’s very important,” said fellow Leaf centre Nazem Kadri. “It’s nice to have all four lines rolling and be consistent and responsible. That’s what they’ve been doing for us. Usually, the fourth line goes out and gives you a spark, and (ours) has been doing that.”

Kadri, who was drafted seventh overall in 2009 but didn’t break through as a Leaf until the 2012-13 season, added that he has respect for Gauthier’s determination having gone through a similar struggle — and that there’s a bit more to Gauthier than meets the eye.

“He’s an interesting man,” Kadri said of his teammate, nicknamed the Goat. “He has some interesting habits I’ve noticed. Like his style. He’s got style with the hats he chooses to wear. I’m pretty sure he bakes a lot, too — apple pies or pumpkin pies. He likes to bake.”

Gauthier acknowledged that he enjoys baking, especially his mother’s apple pie recipe, and recalled that while the Marlies’ training staff preferred Granny Smith, he stuck to the recipe for McIntosh.

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The 23-year-old from Laval, Que. is also a dog lover, the proud owner of a Newfoundland that’s pushing 90 pounds.

“Her name is Stella,” said Gauthier. “I live by myself in Toronto, so it’s nice to come home and see her.”

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