The Toronto Maple Leafs finally exorcised their playoff demons — and are off to the second round of the NHL playoffs.
John Tavares scored at 4:36 of overtime and Ilya Samsonov made 31 saves as Toronto defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Saturday to win their series 4-2 and advance in the post-season for the first time in nearly two decades.
Leafs captain John Tavares threw a puck in front that went in off the Toronto defenceman, who also scored the OT winner in Game 3.
Auston Matthews had the goal in regulation for the Leafs, who lost to Tampa in seven games last spring and were under intense pressure to finally break through in the playoffs after a string of failures.
More to follow…
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with the bench after his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) checks Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) into the boards during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Tampa, Fla.
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
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