Dylan Larkin netted a power-play goal in overtime, just 41 seconds in, securing a 5-4 victory for the Detroit Red Wings against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
Alex DeBrincat scored twice, David Perron contributed with a goal and an assist, Simon Edvinsson also found the net, and J.T. Compher provided two assists for Detroit. The Red Wings took a commanding 4-1 lead after the first period.
In the extra period, Larkin redirected a shot by Patrick Kane past Toronto goalie Ilya Samsonov, while Max Domi was off for high-sticking. It marked Larkin’s 33rd goal of the season.
“It’s one of the biggest goals of my career,” Larkin expressed. “I couldn’t feel any better.” James Reimer, in his 500th NHL game and facing his former team, made 32 saves. “It’s special,” Reimer reflected. “I’m proud of the guys.”
Detroit is currently in a three-way tie with Washington and Philadelphia for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. While the Red Wings and Capitals have two games remaining, the Flyers have one. As of now, Washington holds the tiebreaker and occupies the playoff spot.
Mitch Marner contributed with a goal and two assists, John Tavares and Nick Robertson also scored, and Morgan Rielly added two assists for Toronto. Samsonov made 28 saves.
Matthews, who has scored 10 goals in his last eight games, is just one goal away from reaching 70 goals in a season, a feat no player has achieved in over 30 years. He equaled Mario Lemieux’s total of 69 goals in the 1995-96 season.”
“I approach every game, every night the same way,” Matthews stated. “I try not to overthink things.” Toronto’s defeat means they are now locked into the Atlantic Division’s third spot, with two away games remaining on their schedule.
Samsonov, who was close to being replaced after the first period, made crucial saves in regulation, including one against Lucas Raymond with nine minutes left, and another just before overtime with Domi serving a penalty.
“I felt our team would improve,” Keefe remarked. “And I thought Sammy needed to be a part of that. I’m glad it worked out because he was exceptional.”
Matthews had several opportunities on a late power play, and the crowd eagerly awaited every time he had possession of the puck, hoping to witness his 70th goal with the score tied 4-4.
Trailing 4-1 after a tough first period, Robertson scored his 14th goal at 9:04 of the second period, just before Kane was penalized for high-sticking.
That paved the way for Matthews, who hit the post in the first period, to score his 69th goal past Reimer with a powerful shot at 10:23 amid a loud Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe admitted he got caught up in the excitement after Matthews’ goal. “It was a big distraction,” he admitted. “It doesn’t help us with our focus on the game… But it’s thrilling. I understand it.”
“Especially when he reaches 69 goals, you can feel the anticipation growing. Now you’re contributing to it — I’m contributing to it. I wanted it to happen, wanted it for the fans… I’m relieved the game’s over.”
Matthews almost scored his 70th goal moments later on a breakaway, but Reimer managed to close his pads just in time.
The Maple Leafs tied the game with 2:38 remaining in the second period when Tavares scored his 26th goal, erasing a three-goal deficit in just over eight minutes against Reimer, who was drafted by Toronto in 2006 and played for the Maple Leafs from 2010-16.
Marner opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 8:35 of the first period, marking his 26th goal of the season. William Nylander assisted, ending an eight-game point drought.
Detroit equalized just 1:27 later with a 2-on-1 goal from DeBrincat, his 25th of the season. The Red Wings took the lead with 6:21 left in the period when Edvinsson scored his first goal after a give-and-go with Perron.
DeBrincat extended Detroit’s lead to 3-1 on a power play at 17:37 after Samsonov gave up a big rebound, allowing DeBrincat to score his second goal of the night.
Perron then widened Detroit’s lead to three goals with less than 20 seconds remaining in the period when he scored his 16th goal past Samsonov at the near post.
