Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Simon Benoit had an unforgettable moment during the playoff matchup against the Ottawa Senators. He scored the game-winning goal just 1:19 into overtime, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Leafs. This victory marked a significant milestone, giving the Leafs a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series and putting them just one win away from advancing in the Battle of Ontario.
Following the game, Benoit reflected on the exhilarating moment, stating, “I just lifted both of my arms and didn’t move. I saw all those guys coming towards me. Good feeling.” This goal is considered the biggest of his career so far, highlighting his contribution to the team at a pivotal moment.
In a game that showcased intense competition, Leafs captain Auston Matthews won an essential faceoff in the offensive zone, allowing Benoit’s shot to find the back of the net, beating Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark. Leafs head coach Craig Berube praised Benoit, saying, “It’s always great when a guy like that scores a big goal. Benny’s played extremely well for us defensively and been hard to play against. Very happy for him.”
In the game, Matthews added a goal and an assist, while Matthew Knies also contributed a goal for Toronto. The win extended Anthony Stolarz’s impressive streak, marking his 11th consecutive victory since March 20, with Stolarz making 18 saves during the game. For the Senators, Claude Giroux had a goal and an assist, with Brady Tkachuk also scoring. Ullmark managed to stop 17 shots for Ottawa.
The Leafs previously took Game 1 decisively with a score of 6-2 and overcame a challenge in Game 2 with a tight 3-2 overtime win. The Senators, who were hosting their first home playoff game since 2017, are now in a tough position as they face potential elimination in Game 4 on Saturday. Ottawa head coach Travis Green expressed his confidence in his team, saying, “One thing I know about our team is we’re not gonna lay down. We’re gonna be ready to play.”
Benoit joined the Leafs in the prior season and has since emerged as a robust defensive presence, while also showing glimpses of his offensive capabilities. His recent performance follows a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, which was compounded by the birth of his first child in September. Benoit acknowledged the difficulties he faced in balancing his new responsibilities at home with his on-ice performances but credited the Toronto management for their support as he navigated these challenges.
As the series progresses, Ottawa recognizes their need to improve their performance, particularly in faceoffs where Toronto dominated by winning 63 percent of the draws during Game 3. Giroux noted, “Their timing is a little bit better than ours right now. We’ve just got to keep grinding.”
During the game, Matthews finally scored his first goal of the series after a strong pass from Mitch Marner, taking advantage of Ullmark’s distracted positioning. The Senators initially surged in front with Giroux scoring on a two-man advantage early in the second period, only for Toronto to equalize later in the period thanks to a fortunate goal that deflected off Ottawa forward Shane Pinto.
As the third period progressed, Tkachuk managed to score, igniting hopes within the Senators’ camp, as he expressed a strong belief that victory was within reach at that moment. However, the night ultimately belonged to Benoit, whose timely goal proved critical in the playoff landscape.
Reflecting on the unpredictability of playoff performances, Benoit commented, “In the playoffs, it’s not always the same guys. Pretty exciting.” His significant contribution and the thrilling nature of the game serve as a testament to the intensity and drama of playoff hockey.
