Tavares Nets OT Winner as Maple Leafs Edge Ducks

Toronto captain scores with 5 seconds left to lift Leafs over Anaheim in physical matchup.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:10am

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John Tavares scored the game-winning goal with just 5 seconds left in overtime to lift the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in a physical Monday night clash. Tavares capped a two-goal, one-assist performance, while William Nylander tallied four points for the Leafs, who won for the third time in four games.

Why it matters

The win extended Toronto's winning streak over Anaheim to seven games, though the result was somewhat overshadowed by the sudden firing of Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving earlier in the day. The game also featured a high-intensity, penalty-filled affair between the two teams.

The details

Tavares sealed the win for the Maple Leafs (32-30-13, 77 points) with a tip-in goal off a feed from Morgan Rielly. Toronto's William Nylander had a big night with four points, including the game-tying goal in the third period. Rielly, Matthew Knies, and Easton Cowan also scored for the Leafs. For Anaheim (41-28-4, 86 points), Leo Carlsson scored twice, while John Carlson and Cutter Gauthier also found the back of the net. The teams combined for 85 penalty minutes, with Toronto's Max Domi receiving two five-minute majors for fighting and a game misconduct.

  • The game was played on Monday night.
  • Tavares scored the game-winning goal with just 5 seconds left in overtime.

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.

William Nylander

The Maple Leafs forward tallied four points on the night, including the game-tying goal in the third period.

Morgan Rielly

The Maple Leafs defenseman had a goal and an assist, including the primary assist on Tavares' overtime winner.

Leo Carlsson

The Anaheim Ducks forward scored two goals in the losing effort.

Max Domi

The Maple Leafs forward received two five-minute majors for fighting and a game misconduct in the penalty-filled affair.

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What’s next

The Maple Leafs will look to continue their winning ways as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, while the Ducks will aim to bounce back from the tough overtime loss.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the intense rivalry and physical nature of the matchup between the Maple Leafs and Ducks, with the Leafs ultimately prevailing in dramatic fashion thanks to a late overtime goal from their captain John Tavares.