Auston Matthews delivered the game-winning goal with just 2:09 remaining in overtime, propelling the Toronto Maple Leafs to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. Matthews was the hero of the night after he outskated Devils defenseman Brett Pesce, picking up a loose puck at center ice and launching into a breakaway. Matthews then fired a shot past New Jersey’s Jacob Markstrom, beating him on the glove side for his ninth goal of the season. The goal marked the second overtime winner of the season for Matthews, showcasing his knack for clutch performances.
The game had been tightly contested, with the Devils holding a 1-0 lead until late in the third period. Pontus Holmberg tied the game for the Maple Leafs in the third, scoring short-handed at 10:42 to keep his team in the hunt. Holmberg’s goal came at a critical moment when Toronto was down a man, showing the Leafs’ resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities even while shorthanded. The tying goal shifted the momentum toward Toronto, giving them a fighting chance as the game entered its final minutes of regulation.
Earlier in the game, Ondrej Palat had given the Devils a 1-0 lead with his first goal since November 12. Palat’s goal came at 7:16 of the second period, off an assist from Jesper Bratt. It was a much-needed goal for Palat, who had gone 11 games without finding the back of the net. Bratt continued his hot streak with his seventh assist in New Jersey’s last six games, contributing significantly to the Devils’ offensive production. Palat’s goal provided New Jersey with a slight edge, but they couldn’t hold on to it as the Maple Leafs answered in the final frame.
Despite a dominant first period by New Jersey, where they outshot the Leafs 15-1, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. The Devils’ strong play in the opening stanza did not translate into a lead on the scoreboard, as Toronto’s defense and goaltending weathered the storm. The Maple Leafs were fortunate to escape the first period without falling behind, as New Jersey’s power play also went unconverted. The Devils were 0 for 4 on the power play during the game, continuing their struggles with the man advantage.
Toronto’s goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, played a key role in keeping his team in the game, stopping 37 of the 38 shots he faced. His performance was critical in allowing the Maple Leafs to stay within striking distance. Stolarz was especially sharp in the second and third periods, making key saves to thwart New Jersey’s offensive pushes. Markstrom, on the other hand, was not as tested, making only 11 saves in the loss. New Jersey’s inability to generate consistent shots on goal ultimately hurt their chances, as Toronto made the most of their few opportunities.
The game was a stark contrast to the Leafs’ usual offensive firepower. Toronto entered the game ranked 14th in the NHL in shots on goal, averaging 29.1 per game, but they finished the game with just 12 shots. It was their lowest shot total of the season, yet they were able to pull out the win thanks to their ability to finish when it mattered most. Matthews’ overtime goal highlighted the Maple Leafs’ efficiency in high-pressure moments, despite their overall lack of shots on goal.
In a game dominated by defensive play and goaltending, New Jersey’s top power-play unit failed to break through. The Devils had the league’s best power play but went scoreless on four chances in this game. This failure to convert on the man advantage was a major factor in their loss, as they were unable to capitalize on Toronto’s penalties. Over their last three games, the Devils are 0 for 9 on the power play, a trend that has become a growing concern for the team.
Mitch Marner’s road point streak, which had reached eight games, came to an end in this contest. Marner had been one of the most consistent performers for the Maple Leafs, contributing four goals and nine assists during his streak. However, in this game, he was unable to register any points, marking a rare off-night for the skilled forward. Despite this, Toronto was able to rely on their defensive structure and goaltending to secure the win, with Matthews stepping up as the game’s hero.
The Devils’ loss was a frustrating one, particularly given their dominance in shots during the first period. They had 15 shots to Toronto’s one, but could not convert on any of their opportunities. The missed chances in the opening frame seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game, as New Jersey failed to finish strong. The Leafs’ defense and goaltending continued to frustrate the Devils throughout the game, and their inability to find the back of the net ultimately cost them.
Looking ahead, both teams have pivotal matchups on Thursday. The Maple Leafs will return home to host the Anaheim Ducks, hoping to continue their momentum after the overtime victory. Toronto will need to improve on their offensive output to avoid relying on overtime finishes in future games. Meanwhile, the Devils will face the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth game of their five-game homestand. New Jersey will be looking to rebound after the loss, particularly with their power play being a major area of focus heading into the next game.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to build consistency to remain competitive in their respective conferences. Toronto’s playoff hopes are largely dependent on their ability to stay healthy and get timely contributions from their star players. The same goes for the Devils, who have been a formidable force this season but need to correct their power-play woes if they want to challenge for a higher playoff seeding.
In the grand scheme of the season, Matthews’ overtime goal was a moment of brilliance for the Maple Leafs, showing his ability to perform in clutch situations. For the Devils, the loss will sting, but they must quickly refocus and adjust their power play if they hope to turn their fortunes around. With both teams in the thick of their playoff races, each game becomes more crucial as the regular season winds down.