Leafs' Overtime Win: Payback for Matthews

0:00It's March 31st, NHL news today starts now, AI-powered and game ready. I'm Cory with the story. Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a wild 5-4 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. They trailed 3-1 heading into the third period, but exploded with goals from Matthew Nies, William Nylander, and Morgan Riley to take the lead late, John Tavarez sealed it which is 5 seconds left in overtime. Anthony Stolars stopped 28 of 32 shots in net for Toronto. This victory carried extra weight after that dirty neon knee hit by Ducks Captain Radco Goudus on Austin Matthews back on March 12th, which, sideline him for the season, Max Stomey promised payback, and tonight he dropped the gloves with Pavel Mintukov in the second period. teammates Jake McCabe and Michael Pizzetta also went after Goudus, each picking up 10-minute misconducts. Fans are buzzing about the Leafs, finally settling the score, even if it came nights later.

1:00Classic NHL Code. It felt gritty and emotional, especially against the strong Ducks squad leading their division. Sure, the game was sloppy with turnovers, but pushing through like that hits different for a fan-based craving resilience. It's the second straight comeback win for Toronto over Anaheim after rallying from a big hole in their first match-up. No beauty contest, but they outlasted the Ducks again, showing heart when it mattered. Leafs wrapped their California trip Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, then Saturday versus the Los Angeles Kings, before hosting Washington next. Wednesday. Momentum like this could spark something heading into the off season.