Maple Leafs Edge Ducks in Overtime Thriller

Toronto captain John Tavares scores game-winner with 5 seconds left in OT.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:27am

In a back-and-forth battle, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares scored the overtime winner with just 5 seconds remaining to lift his team to a 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs' win keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive Atlantic Division, while the Ducks continue to struggle to find consistency this season.

The details

Tavares had a big night, scoring two goals and adding an assist to lead the Maple Leafs' offense. The game-winning goal came after a flurry of end-to-end action in the extra period, with Tavares burying the winner just before time expired.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

John Tavares

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tavares scored two goals and added an assist, including the game-winning goal in overtime.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The NHL team based in Toronto, Ontario, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL team based in Anaheim, California, who are struggling to find consistency this season.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us tonight. We battled hard and found a way to get it done in overtime.”

— John Tavares, Captain, Toronto Maple Leafs

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' victory in this back-and-forth thriller showcases the team's resilience and offensive firepower, as they continue to push for a playoff spot in the tight Atlantic Division race.