Sharks 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT): A Step Forward, a Stumble Back
Some nights the game tells on you. The Toronto Maple Leafs built a 2–0 lead, looked comfortable, and for a brief stretch against the San Jose Sharks, it felt like they were finally settling into a rhythm again. But in a 3–2 overtime loss, you could feel the air leak out shift by shift. The Maple Leafs had control of the game, then lost their grip late, and when Alexander Wennberg ended it at 2:49 of overtime, it felt like a finish you could see coming.
It’s not that Toronto was awful. In fact, for forty minutes, they were calm and structured, getting the saves they needed from Dennis Hildeby, who looked sharp again with 29 saves. But the third period drifted on them. Instead of pushing for the knockout punch, the Maple Leafs sagged, the pace slipped, and San Jose’s young legs dragged the game into chaos. In overtime, the Sharks didn’t need magic. Toronto wasn’t ready for the moment.
Still, there were things worth noting. Pieces of a team trying to be better. And, yes, the familiar problems that continue to haunt them.
Key Point One: William Nylander Wakes Up.
William Nylander finally broke a four-game drought with two crisp assists. His touch on the Jake McCabe goal and the cross-ice feed to Auston Matthews were reminders of how easily he can tilt the ice when he’s engaged. It wasn’t a dominant night, but it was a needed one.
Key Point Two: The Maple Leafs’ Special Teams Show a Bit of Life.
The Maple Leafs’ power play had been in a complete freeze, going 0-for-12 and 2-for-28 before this game. Matthews’ one-timer broke the slump and gave the unit a much-needed breath of confidence. They moved the puck quickly and looked more intentional. It’s a small step, but a real one.
Key Point Three: Goalie Dennis Hildeby Holds the Fort.
Dennis Hildeby was, once again, steady. His pad save on Ty Dellandrea’s penalty shot kept the game level early, and he was composed all night. He deserved better than a late collapse in front of him. The Maple Leafs might have something real here.
Final Thoughts from the Maple Leafs Perspective.
This game stings because it was there for the taking. With a 2–0 lead, the Maple Leafs needed the kind of mature finish Craig Berube keeps talking about. Instead, they slipped into passive habits, turned pucks over, and let the Sharks dictate the final stretch. When John Klingberg tied it late, you could feel Toronto sag.
The Maple Leafs aren’t in trouble, but games like this point to a bigger question: can they close games when they’re supposed to? They’ve found ways to survive, but the next step is learning how to finish.
On Saturday, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers arrive. That’s not a team you can play half a game against.