Toronto Maple Leafs Overcome Three Deficits to Beat New Jersey Devils in OT

The Toronto Maple Leafs came from behind three times to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime, with William Nylander scoring the winning goal just 70 seconds into the extra frame.

Thursday night's NHL action was filled with exciting matchups, as several top teams took to the ice. Among the numerous games played, a few notable contests stood out, showcasing the skill and determination of the league's top players.

A couple of the evening's most thrilling games are worth revisiting. The Detroit Red Wings continued their impressive run, while the Toronto Maple Leafs secured a hard-fought victory in overtime. These matchups demonstrated the intensity and competitiveness that define the NHL.

Red Wings Extend Winning Streak

The Detroit Red Wings continued their impressive run, defeating the Florida Panthers 5-2. The Red Wings, who have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, quickly regained their winning form after a brief setback.

It took the Red Wings nearly nine minutes to score the opening goal, as Jonatan Berggren capitalized on a power play to give his team the lead. However, the Panthers responded quickly, with Anton Lundell scoring a few minutes later to tie the game. The first period ended with the score tied at 1-1.

The Red Wings reclaimed the lead in the second period, thanks to another power-play goal, this time scored by Dylan Larkin. However, the Panthers equalized just 40 seconds later, as Evan Rodrigues tied the game. The Red Wings then took control, with Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper scoring within two minutes of each other to put their team up 4-2.

Larkin added an empty-net goal with 1:22 left in regulation to seal the win and give the Red Wings their 21st victory of the season. Despite the win, the Red Wings still have work to do, as they remain three points out of a playoff spot. The Panthers, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, losing for the third time in their last four games.

Maple Leafs Come from Behind to Defeat Devils in Overtime

The Toronto Maple Leafs showcased their resilience as they overcame three separate deficits to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime. The Devils' Jack Hughes opened the scoring just 2:21 into the first period, and the visitors maintained their lead throughout the opening frame.

It wasn't until six minutes into the second period that the Maple Leafs finally got on the scoreboard, courtesy of William Nylander's goal. However, their celebrations were short-lived, as Nico Hischier responded just two minutes later to restore the Devils' lead.

In the third period, Toronto leveled the score once again, this time through Auston Matthews' power-play goal. But, just like in the previous period, the Devils quickly regained their advantage, with Hischier scoring his second goal of the game just two minutes later.

Undeterred, the Maple Leafs fought back, and Matthews scored his second goal of the night with 4:13 remaining in regulation to tie the game. The Leafs' relentless pressure eventually paid off, as they outshot the Devils 55-35.

That just ain’t fair, Auston! Ain’t fair 🫢 pic.twitter.com/E8uuIjRNai

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 17, 2025

The game ultimately required overtime, but it didn't take long for the Maple Leafs to secure the win. Just 70 seconds into the extra frame, Nylander scored his second goal of the night to give Toronto a hard-fought victory.

The win propelled the Maple Leafs ahead of the Devils into second place in the Eastern Conference, with both teams tied on 58 points. The victory also ended Toronto's three-game losing streak, while the Devils suffered their third loss in their last four games.