Maple Leafs down New Jersey Devils 4-3 in OT in Sheldon Keefe’s return to Toronto
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/01/2025 (295 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
TORONTO – William Nylander scored his second goal of the game at 1:10 of overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs battled back from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits in the third period to down the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Thursday.
Auston Matthews had two goals for Toronto (28-16-2), which entered having lost a season-high three straight in regulation. Nylander added an assist for a three-point night. Joseph Woll stopped 21 shots. Mitch Marner and Jake McCabe had two assists each.
Nico Hischier had two power-play goals for New Jersey (26-15-6), while Jack Hughes scored once and had two assists. Jacob Markstrom made 37 saves.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was back at Scotiabank Arena as a visitor for the first time since being fired by the Leafs in the spring.
The 44-year-old had plenty success after taking over in Toronto for Mike Babcock in November 2019, but was just 1-5 in post-season series — including May’s seven-game loss to the Boston Bruins that ultimately sealed his fate.
The Leafs were minus centre John Tavares, who’s out week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered in Wednesday’s practice, against the Devils. The 34-year-old has 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists) in 44 contests this season.
Takeaways
Leafs: McCabe (upper-body injury) returned to the lineup following the defenceman’s four-game absence. Marner picked up an assist on Matthews’ second goal for his 700th career point.
Devils: The club has just one regulation victory over its last nine contests.
Key moment
Down 3-2 in the third period, Matthews scored his second of the night on a bullet shot upstairs past Markstrom’s right ear for the Toronto captain’s 17th goal of the season.
Key stat
Keefe guided the Leafs to franchise-highs for points (115) and victories (54) in 2021-22. He also became the second-fastest coach in NHL history to reach 200 career wins during his time with Toronto.
Up next
The Leafs visit the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, while the Devils host the Philadelphia Flyers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2025.