Toronto Maple Leafs Triumph Over Devils in Overtime Thriller

In an exhilarating matchup at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils. The win was fueled by stellar goaltending and clutch performances, extending Toronto’s solid run in the 2024 season.

The first period saw both teams struggle to convert opportunities into goals. New Jersey dominated possession, outshooting Toronto 16-1, but Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz delivered an impeccable performance, keeping the game scoreless.

The deadlock was broken in the second period when New Jersey’s Ondrej Palát scored at 7:16 off an even-strength play, assisted by Jesper Bratt. Toronto, however, capitalized on a penalty kill in the third period with Pontus Holmberg netting a shorthanded goal at 10:42. Holmberg’s effort, with assists from Connor Dewar and Christopher Tanev, breathed new life into the Leafs’ bench.

LEAFS WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWIN!@LGCanada | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/krebpQES5U

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 11, 2024

The game reached its crescendo in overtime. With just 2:51 on the clock, Auston Matthews secured the victory for Toronto with an unassisted goal during a 3-on-3 situation, his ninth goal of the season. Matthews’ game-winning effort earned him the first star of the night.

Despite the loss, the Devils’ Ondrej Palát, who scored their lone goal, was named the third star of the game. New Jersey’s goalie, Jacob Markstrom, also performed admirably, saving 15 of 17 shots.

Toronto’s power play struggles continued, going 0-for-3 with six minutes of man-advantage time, but the penalty kill shined by denying New Jersey’s four power play opportunities.

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