Maple Leafs 2, Blue Jackets 1 (OT): Nylander Steals It Late
This one felt like the kind of road game good teams have to survive, not dominate. Toronto didn’t control the night, but they hung around just long enough for William Nylander to yank the whole thing back their way. And when Nylander gets the puck in space in overtime, well, you’ve seen this movie before.
From a Maple Leafs perspective, this was one of those nights where the story might’ve easily drifted into frustration. They weren’t sharp early. They chased the puck too much. Joseph Woll was the reason they stayed afloat. Yet, when the game tightened, the Maple Leafs didn’t fade. Instead, they found their footing in the third, leaned on their structure, and trusted their skill to break something open eventually. Craig Berube had been waiting to see this kind of pushback — and he finally got it.
Then there’s the young guy. Easton Cowan has made a habit of showing up exactly when the Maple Leafs need a spark, and he did it again with his late tying goal. It was the kind of intelligent, opportunistic finish that continues to make him look like a player far older than 20. For a group that’s been struggling to score at key moments, Cowan’s timing couldn’t have been better. And Nylander’s no-look setup? Pure theatre. He can disappear for stretches (even get benched), and then suddenly he’s the only player on the ice who matters.
Three Key Maple Leafs Takeaways
Takeaway One: Joseph Woll stole the first half of the game. Without his 35-save night, Toronto never even sees overtime. Simple as that.
Takeaway Two: Easton Cowan continues to justify his spot. This youngster is not just surviving; he’s impacting games. His tying goal saved the whole night.
Takeaway Three: William Nylander owns overtime now. Last night was Nylander’s 15th OT winner — more than Matthews or Sundin. That’s the kind of quiet legacy he keeps building.
Final Maple Leafs Thought
The Maple Leafs didn’t play their best, but they finally showed how to win when they don’t. That’s something they’ll need a lot more of if this season is going to turn into something meaningful.