On October 22, William Nylander shone with a standout performance, scoring two goals and adding an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The game, held in Toronto, marked the Leafs’ successful end to their 3-1-0 homestand.
Key Performers:
- William Nylander: Two goals, one assist
- Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, Matthew Knies: Each added a goal
- Mitch Marner: Provided two assists
- Anthony Stolarz (Toronto goalie): Made 32 saves
For the Lightning, Nicholas Paul and Brayden Point scored, with Victor Hedman contributing two assists. However, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy struggled, allowing four goals on 14 shots and was replaced by Jonas Johansson during the second period.
Game Breakdown:
First Period:
- The Leafs set the tempo early in the first period, with Nylander opening the scoring at 3:57 off a pass from Max Domi.
- Tampa Bay equalized 12 minutes later when Nicholas Paul’s shot was inadvertently knocked into the Toronto goal by defenseman Simon Benoit.
Second Period:
- Toronto dominated the second period with four unanswered goals.
- Matthews scored on the power play, putting in a rebound off a Mitch Marner shot at 1:56. Nylander also provided an assist on the play, initiated by a long pass from Stolarz.
- Nylander added his second goal at 7:33, completing a two-on-one break with Domi.
Despite a tough start for the Lightning and a change in goal, the Leafs maintained control, wrapping up the game 5-2.
