Matthews, Tavares Lead Third-Period Surge as Leafs Defeat Kings 3–1 in L.A.
LOS ANGELES – In a thrilling comeback, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 at Crypto.com Arena on March 29, 2025. After trailing 1-0, the Maple Leafs rallied with three goals in the third period to secure the win.
The Kings opened the scoring early in the second period when Alex Laferriere netted his 16th goal of the season at 1:57, assisted by Phillip Danault.
LEAFS WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWIN!@LGCanada | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/9iFN3jsqqY
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 30, 2025
Toronto responded in the third period with Auston Matthews scoring a shorthanded goal at 0:55, assisted by Jake McCabe. John Tavares then added a power-play goal at 12:04, with assists from Matthews and Morgan Rielly. Tavares sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 18:35, assisted by Mitch Marner.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was instrumental in the win, making 35 saves on 36 shots for Toronto. The Maple Leafs’ special teams were also pivotal, with a successful penalty kill leading to Matthews’ shorthanded goal and a power-play conversion by Tavares.
This victory improves Toronto’s record to 44-25-4, while Los Angeles falls to 40-23-9.