Nylander Returns, Leafs End Six-Year Drought in Vancouver in Dramatic Shootout
Pressure was building fast for the Toronto Maple Leafs and in Vancouver, it finally cracked in their favor. On a night loaded with urgency, injuries and playoff-level tension, Toronto escaped Rogers Arena with a hard-earned shootout win over the Canucks, snapping a six-game skid and ending a winless stretch in Vancouver that had lasted more than six years.
The storyline began with a familiar name. William Nylander was back in the lineup after missing seven games and his presence was felt immediately. Not just in skill, but in pace, confidence and belief. Toronto controlled long stretches of play, fired a season-high number of shots and looked far more assertive than they had in recent losses. This was a team that knew it needed a response and it played like it.
Vancouver, battered by injuries and still searching for stability, did not fold easily. The Canucks grabbed a second-period lead and pushed Toronto into another uncomfortable spot, forcing the Leafs to chase a game that threatened to slip away. But unlike recent outings, Toronto stayed composed. Max Domi tied it in the third, the Leafs tilted the ice and the game moved into overtime and then a shootout, where the stars took over.
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After missing on a penalty shot earlier, Auston Matthews stepped back into the spotlight and delivered. Nylander followed his lead. Toronto walked out with a 3-2 win, powered by patience, persistence and timely execution. In goal, Joseph Woll was steady and sharp, making key saves when the Canucks had their best looks and giving Toronto the foundation it needed to survive.
The win mattered for more than the standings. It stopped the bleeding. It restored confidence. And it came at a moment when questions were growing louder about direction, leadership and consistency. This was not a perfect performance and it did come with concern. Morgan Rielly left the game early with an upper-body issue, adding to an already thin blue line and his status will be closely watched.
For Vancouver, the loss reinforced where the team stands right now. Injuries, missing scoring and an uncertain path forward continue to weigh heavily, especially with key players unlikely to return before the Olympic break.
For Toronto, this was about survival and momentum. One win does not fix everything, but it can reset a mindset. With the road trip continuing and pressure still high, the Leafs finally have something to build on.
Stay with us as this story develops and keep watching for continued coverage as both teams navigate pivotal weeks ahead in the NHL season.
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