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Maple Leafs Edge Ducks in Overtime Thriller
Tavares' late goal lifts Toronto in fight-filled matchup
Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34am
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The Toronto Maple Leafs came from behind to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in overtime on Monday night in a game that featured multiple fights and 85 combined penalty minutes. John Tavares scored the game-winning goal with just 5 seconds left in the extra period, redirecting a shot from Morgan Rielly past Ducks goalie Ville Husso.
Why it matters
The win keeps the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes alive, while the loss is a tough blow for the Pacific Division-leading Ducks. The physical nature of the game also underscores the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, especially after Ducks captain Radko Gudas' controversial hit on Auston Matthews earlier in the season.
The details
The Ducks jumped out to a 3-1 lead early, with goals from Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. But the Maple Leafs stormed back in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead late. However, Carlsson tied it up with just 1:39 left to force overtime. In the extra period, Tavares redirected Rielly's shot to give Toronto the victory.
- The game was played on Monday, March 30, 2026.
- Gauthier suffered an upper-body injury late in the first period and did not return.
- Gudas was playing despite a lower-body injury, and his hit on Matthews earlier in the season led to a 5-game suspension.
The players
John Tavares
The Maple Leafs' captain scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift his team to victory.
Morgan Rielly
The Maple Leafs defenseman assisted on Tavares' overtime goal and scored a key third-period goal to help Toronto rally.
Ville Husso
The Ducks goaltender made 22 saves but was unable to hold off the Maple Leafs' comeback.
Radko Gudas
The Ducks captain played despite a lower-body injury, and his previous hit on Auston Matthews led to a suspension.
Cutter Gauthier
The Ducks forward scored early but left the game with an upper-body injury in the first period.
What they’re saying
“We knew it was going to be a tough, physical game, but the guys showed a lot of heart to come back and get the win.”
— Sheldon Keefe, Maple Leafs Head Coach
“It's tough to lose a game like that, but we'll regroup and get ready for San Jose on Wednesday.”
— Dallas Eakins, Ducks Head Coach
What’s next
The Maple Leafs will look to build on this win when they visit the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, while the Ducks will try to bounce back against the Sharks on Wednesday.
The takeaway
This hard-fought game showcased the intensity of the rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Ducks, with physical play and multiple fights throughout. The Maple Leafs' comeback victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, while the Ducks' loss is a setback in their pursuit of the Pacific Division title.
