John Tavares scored after 4:36 of overtime and the Toronto Maple Leafs won their first series since 2004 with a 2-1 victory Saturday in Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Maple Leafs won the series 4-2. They had squandered an early opportunity to close the books on Thursday, in front of their supporters.
Tavares stunned Andrei Vasilevskiy after he rounded the net. The puck deflected off Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh’s skate before sliding behind the goal line.
The Maple Leafs had lost eight straight series since reaching the first round in 2004, including six in as many seasons from 2017 to 2022.
They were 0-10 when they had the opportunity to eliminate a team since 2018.
Auston Matthews scored in the second period for the Maple Leafs. Ilya Samsonov stopped 31 shots.
Steven Stamkos replied in the third period for the Lightning. Vasilevskiy made 20 saves.
Returning to the Maple Leafs’ roster after a three-game suspension and one more night in the stands, Michael Bunting came close to opening the scoring in the second period. However, he reached the crossbar on a return, after a stoppage by Vasilevskiy at the expense of Mitch Marner.
Matthews finally gave the Maple Leafs the lead at 1:47 of the second period. He moved the ropes with a powerful one-timer after TJ Brodie intercepted a Lightning clearance at the blue line.
During a powerplay by the Lightning, Stamkos came within inches of replying, but his shot hit the post.
It was only a postponement for the captain of the Lighting. Transferred to the line of Anthony Cirelli and Alex Killorn, Stamkos tied the game at 4:11 of the third period. He enjoyed a generous comeback after a long throw from Rayddish.
Matthews was frustrated with Vasilevskiy moments later.
Samsonov made a key save early in overtime, bucking past Michael Eyssimont on a partial breakaway.
Tavares then played the heroes.
In the next round, the Maple Leafs will cross swords with the winner of the series between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers. This series will come to an end on Sunday with the presentation of a final match in Boston.