Recap
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Maple Leafs Edge Out Devils in Overtime, Auston Matthews Seals the Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs, with a record of 17-9-2, secured a narrow victory over the New Jersey Devils, who now stand at 18-10-3 after the game. The final score was 2-1 in favor of the Maple Leafs after an intense overtime period that saw Toronto clinching the win.


Jan 3, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;  Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting (58) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the St. Louis Blues in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Game Highlights


The match at Prudential Center was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their goaltending and defensive skills. The Maple Leafs' goalie Anthony Stolarz was particularly outstanding, saving 38 out of 39 shots aimed at his net. This performance included crucial saves during power plays and shorthanded situations, maintaining a perfect save percentage throughout the game.


Toronto's offense struggled to break through New Jersey's defense for much of the game but found success in overtime. Auston Matthews scored the winning goal during this period, marking his significant contribution to the team's victory. Matthews had five shots on goal throughout the night and ended up with one goal and a plus-minus rating of +1.


Pontus Holmberg also made notable contributions for Toronto by scoring a shorthanded goal that kept his team in contention before heading into overtime. His performance underscored Toronto's ability to capitalize on opportunities even when playing under pressure.


On defense, Chris Tanev stood out with an assist and two takeaways while maintaining a positive plus-minus rating. His efforts were critical in limiting New Jersey’s scoring chances and facilitating transitions into offense for Toronto.


Looking Ahead


The Maple Leafs are set to face off against Anaheim Ducks at Scotiabank Arena on December 12th at 7:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ or Victory+, ensuring they don't miss any part of what promises to be an exciting matchup as Toronto looks to build on their recent success.


This victory over New Jersey highlights Toronto’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities they will hope to carry forward into their upcoming games. Be sure not to miss future performances by tuning into broadcasts or following updates online.


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