In Montreal, John Tavares scores the game-winner for the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime to send the Leafs to a 4-3 win over the Canadiens.
“It just happened fast,” Tavares said. “I got some good speed, so I was able to get a bit of gap on the guy defending me there. And Mitch put it in the perfect spot, so I was able to kind of already start to plan ahead before I even got it. So I know he’s going to challenge hard and it’s a debate whether you want to be kind of patient and try to go around him.
William Nylander goal forced extra time in Montreal – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“I just felt I could get it up quick enough and lucky enough I was able to, and I got a lot on it, so I was happy to see it go in.”
The Leafs got to the extra session off a goal midway through the third period from William Nylander.
Special teams kept the Leafs in the game as the penalty killing unit went 5-for-6.
“Well, obviously, the penalty kill was really good,” Toronto coach Mike Babcock said. “Our fourth line (Par Lindholm-Frederik Gauthier-Andreas Johnsson) was outstanding. They got us two of the goals, and we found a way to just hang around and hang around and ended up winning the game.”
Frederik Andersen made 35 saves in the win.
“That was probably as close to a [Stanley Cup] Playoff atmosphere as you’re going to get without being in the playoffs,” the Canadiens’ Shea Weber said. “It was energizing and exciting. It was fun to play in.”
Tomas Tatar Andrew Shaw and Brendan Gallagher scored for the Habs.
“We know we can beat any team in this league. Unfortunately, we came up a bit short, so that’s a tough ending. That being said, a lot of good things happened tonight, and it’s definitely something we can build on,” Max Domi said after the loss.
Andreas Johnson and Nikita Zaitsev also scored for Toronto.
“It was a tight hockey game for the most part, but it was fast and the game was played at a very high level, and you can see the competitiveness and everyone fighting for every inch out there. So it was a big two points, and we’re happy to get it,” Tavares said after the game.
[WATCH: All Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens highlights]
Carey Price made 28 saves in the loss.
“They’ve got depth, they’re a pretty well-rounded team,” said Price, who made 28 saves. “They use their speed and they obviously have a lot of skill up front.”
Montreal dropped to 31-18-7.
“It’s what you play for. There’s a lot of emotion in the game, and it’s a lot of fun. Obviously, it’s not so fun losing,” Price added.
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