For the first time since 2019, the Maple Leafs won a game in Vancouver. Toronto came back to beat the Canucks 3-2 in a shootout Saturday Night at Rogers Arena.
While Vancouver has long since surrendered to their fate, waiting for the lottery draw, the Maple Leafs were still trying to change theirs.
The game started off as a defensive struggle. Neither team scored in the first. The offences warmed up in the second period, however. The Canucks opened with a goal 1:55 into the middle frame. Jonathan Lekkerimaki found a gap between the circles and ripped a shot by Joseph Woll to make it 1-0.
Toronto responded at the 13:34 mark. Nicholas Robertson put on a figure skating performance along the boards with a couple of pirouettes before finding Nicolas Roy in the slot. Roy one-timed the pass by Vancouver goalie Nikita Tolopilo to tie the game.
Tom Willander put the Canucks back in front a little over a minute later. The winger took a cross-ice saucer pass from Evander Kane and snapped it by Woll for the 2-1 lead.
With their backs against the wall, Toronto came out firing in the third and were able to score the equalizer at 2:34 of the final period. After a face-off scramble, Max Domi gathered in the puck and flipped a shot toward the Vancouver net. Tolopilo got in front of it, but the rebound bounced over his head and into the goal to make it 2-2.
The Leafs kept their attack going throughout the period. A retreating Canucks’ team literally iced their way into overtime. Both teams had multiple opportunities in the extra frame, including an Auston Matthews penalty shot saved by Tolopio.
The five extra minutes offered no result, so the teams went to a shootout. William Nylander and Matthews scored on their chances, and Woll was flawless as Toronto ended its six-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory.
Next up, Toronto continues its road trip Tuesday night. The Leafs travel to Calgary total own the Flames.
