fbpx
Skip to main content

WATCH: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs even series with Montreal Canadiens with win

May 22, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (88) celebrates with center Auston Matthews (34) after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadaiens during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoff at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Auston Matthews had a goal and two assists and the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the visiting Montreal Canadiens 5-1 Saturday night to even the best-of-seven, first-round Stanley Cup playoff series at 1-1.

William Nylander added a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs. Jason Spezza, Rasmus Sandin and Alexander Kerfoot also scored and Mitchell Marner added two assists.

Game 3 will be played at Montreal on Monday.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored for the Canadiens.

Jack Campbell made 22 saves for Toronto. Carey Price stopped 29 shots for Montreal.

Kotkaniemi, who did not play in Game 1, gave Montreal the lead at 7:57 of the first period, putting in a rebound from the low slot after Campbell had made two saves. Joel Armia and Tyler Toffoli earned assists.

Related: NHL games today – 2022 NHL offseason calendar, NHL Draft, free agency

Spezza tied it at 12:25 of the first, racing off the bench to zip in a wrist shot from the right circle after stepping in front of teammate Wayne Simmonds. Zach Bogosian earned the assist.

Toronto took a 2-1 lead when Matthews scored at 5:15 of the second period from a rebound on Justin Holl’s shot. Matthews had passed off to Holl and continued to drive to the net. Marner also earned an assist.

The Maple Leafs took advantage of their third straight power play in the second period to take a 3-1 lead. Sandin blasted a slap shot from the left point at 13:20. Matthews and Marner assisted. Kotkaniemi was off for crosschecking.

Montreal challenged the goal, claiming goaltender interference. The goal stood and the failed challenge gave Toronto its fourth straight power play.

Related: Hungry for more NHL news? Tap here for the hottest headlines breaking right now

Toronto led in shots on 29-15 after two periods.

Nylander scored at 8:50 of the third period on Toronto’s fifth straight power play. The shot from the left circle came on the rebound when a shot by Matthews went off the post. Morgan Rielly also got an assist. Nylander’s second goal of the series came with Shea Weber off for crosschecking.

Kerfoot scored into the empty net at 18:37 of the third.

The Maple Leafs were without captain John Tavares (concussion, knee).

–Field Level Media

Mentioned in this article:

More About: