Maple Leafs Outlast Rangers Behind Woll's 40 Saves

Toronto builds 3-0 lead, holds on for 4-3 victory over visiting New York

Mar. 26, 2026 at 6:29am

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The Toronto Maple Leafs built a 3-0 lead and goaltender Joseph Woll made 40 saves to help the team hold on for a 4-3 victory over the visiting New York Rangers on Wednesday night. The Rangers trimmed the lead to one goal in the second and third periods, but the Maple Leafs were able to preserve the win.

Why it matters

This was an important victory for the Maple Leafs as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the tight Eastern Conference race. The Rangers, meanwhile, have now lost three straight games and are struggling to regain their early-season form.

The details

Jake McCabe, Nicholas Robertson, Dakota Joshua, and John Tavares scored for the Maple Leafs, who have now won two straight games. Matias Maccelli recorded two assists. Woll's 40 saves were a season-high for the goaltender. Mika Zibanejad scored twice and Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists for the Rangers, who haven't won since March 14. Adam Fox also had two assists for New York.

  • The Maple Leafs built a 3-0 lead by the midpoint of the second period.
  • The Rangers scored two power-play goals in the second period to cut the deficit to 3-2.
  • Tavares scored in the third period to give the Maple Leafs a 4-2 lead, but Zibanejad answered to make it 4-3.

The players

Joseph Woll

The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender made a season-high 40 saves to help his team hold on for the victory.

Mika Zibanejad

The New York Rangers forward scored two goals in the losing effort.

Alexis Lafreniere

The Rangers forward had a goal and two assists in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew the Rangers would push hard in the second and third periods, and Joseph really stepped up to make some big saves to preserve the lead.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach

“We had our chances, but Woll was outstanding in net for them. We need to find a way to generate more offense and capitalize on our opportunities.”

— Gerard Gallant, New York Rangers Head Coach

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers, meanwhile, will try to end their three-game skid when they host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

The takeaway

This was a gutsy performance by the Maple Leafs, who weathered a late Rangers surge to hold on for the victory. Woll's stellar goaltending was the difference, as he turned aside 40 shots to earn the first star of the game. The Rangers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to generate more offense if they hope to get back on track and secure a playoff spot.