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"Nylander Leads Leafs to Overtime Victory Over Columbus"

27.11.2025 2,13 B 5 Mins Read

William Nylander made history on Wednesday night by becoming the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time career overtime goals leader with his 15th overtime goal. The milestone was achieved during a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nylander's decisive goal came off a wrist shot with just 18 seconds left in the game, demonstrating his clutch performance under pressure.

In the lead-up to the goal, Nylander received a critical pass from defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has also been pivotal to Toronto’s recent success. Nylander was able to convert the opportunity, getting the puck past Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves. This victory was significant for the Maple Leafs as it marked only their second win in the last nine games, helping to boost team morale as they continue a challenging six-game road trip.

Nylander's impact was felt throughout the game, as he also assisted on Easton Cowan's goal that evened the score in the third period. This assist showcased Nylander's playmaking ability, contributing to Toronto's offensive efforts. Toronto’s victory put them in a stronger position, as they have now recorded seven comeback victories this season, ranking them fourth in the league.

Joseph Woll, the Maple Leafs' goaltender, had a standout performance, stopping an impressive 35 shots throughout the game, further solidifying his role in the team's defensive strategy. Meanwhile, defenseman Ekman-Larsson's own performance has been notable; he became the fifth Maple Leafs defenseman since the 1991-92 season to achieve a seven-game points streak, highlighting his offensive contributions from the blue line.

For the Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski was a key player, scoring the team’s only goal of the night. He took a pass from Miles Wood while crossing the blue line, skated to the left corner, and beat Woll with a wrist shot at 13:30 of the third period. This goal marked Werenski's eighth of the season and his fourth in the last six games, reflecting his continued scoring prowess. Additionally, this goal marked a milestone for Werenski, as it was his 121st goal in ten seasons with Columbus, placing him fifth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.

However, the Blue Jackets faced disappointment when Werenski’s potential goal at 13:04 of the second period was called back following a successful offside challenge by Toronto. This ruling demonstrated the intensity of the game's tight officiating and the high stakes involved for both teams.

In other news for the Maple Leafs, the return of centers Auston Matthews and Nicolas Roy to the lineup was a crucial development. Both players had been activated off injured reserve, providing Toronto with additional firepower as they navigate the grueling schedule ahead.

Overall, the game encapsulated the tight competition present in the NHL, showcasing the resilience of the Maple Leafs as they fought back from a third-period deficit to claim a critical victory. As the season progresses, performances from players like Nylander and Ekman-Larsson will be instrumental in Toronto's pursuit of success.

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