TORONTO: With less than nine minutes left in regulation, the Dallas Stars were tied thanks to a flawless penalty kick from Evgenii Dadonov.
From that point on, the Maple Leafs’ night might go in one of two directions.
Toronto may start to show signs of weakness after giving up a lead despite controlling the third quarter. Alternatively, keep pushing for the winner without pressing.
The latter was ensured by three of the team’s all-stars and its captain, who found his offensive touch again.
Following Dadonov’s equalizer, Mitch Marner and William Nylander scored 20 seconds apart to help Toronto upset Dallas 5–4.
In just 32 seconds following the penalty, Marner scored his 22nd goal of the year off an Auston Matthews setup to break a 3-3 deadlock.
Matthews stated, “Every game is going to present its own challenges.” There will be many swings in momentum out there. We make an effort to remain mindful and present.
Following the all-star break, the Leafs lost 3-2 to the New York Islanders on Monday; Ilya Samsonov made 27 saves. The Leafs also scored three goals on the power play.
Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn scored the other Dallas goals (31–16–6). With the Stars resting Jake Oettinger after their 2-1 victory in Buffalo on Tuesday, Scott Wedgewood made 26 saves.
Dadonov, who had been bear-hugged by Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano on a breakaway, scored his 12th goal of the game and his second of the evening on the penalty shot.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Leafs stated, “We made a mistake.” “We were having a terrific game.
Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and defenseman Morgan Rielly led the way during the league’s all-star festivities held in the city last week.
The Leafs-led team emerged victorious in the four-team, 3-on-3 mini tournament, with Matthews taking home the MVP award.
When asked how hard it would be to get back into a regular-season schedule, the sniper answered, “It’s not too hard.” “You’re pretty thankful that it’s back to what you’re accustomed to.”
Just over two minutes in, Nylander scored a one-timer at 6:34 to give the Leafs, who defeated the Stars 4-1 in Dallas on October 26, the lead after Radek Faska smacked the post at the other end.
Benn’s eleventh goal gave Dallas its second power-play opportunity after the team had lost its previous ten games 7-2-1.Leading the way at last week’s league all-star festivities in the city were Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and defenseman Morgan Rielly.
The four-team, 3-on-3 mini tournament was won by the Leafs-led squad, and Matthews was named MVP.
In response to a question regarding the difficulty of readjusting to a regular season schedule, the sniper said, “It’s not too hard.” “You’re pretty thankful that it’s back to what you’re accustomed to.”
After Radek Faska banged the post at the other end, Nylander scored a one-timer at 6:34 to give the Leafs, who defeated the Stars 4-1 in Dallas on October 26, the lead little over two minutes in.
After Dallas had missed its first ten power-play opportunities, Benn’s eleventh goal handed the team its second one.
