Matthews scores OT winner as Maple Leafs come back to beat Predators 5-4

In a thrilling overtime win, Auston Matthews scored the overtime winner as the Toronto Maple Leafs staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Tuesday. The match, held at Scotiabank Arena, featured a chaotic overtime and a significant 3-0 deficit for Toronto at the start.

Matthews, who scored three assists in regulation, put the puck away with a rebound in overtime. His goal came after William Nylander found him at the net with 4:46 remaining, effectively ending a wild night. Nylander, the No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna — making his NHL debut — John Tavares, and Jack Roslovic contributed the other goals for Toronto, which secured 21 saves from Anthony Stolarz.

McKenna, just 18 years old, took a pass from Matthews and scored his first NHL goal in the second period. He followed up by assisting on Tavares' goal, earning his first professional point. Nylander added two assists, and Roslovic scored one. Steven Stamkos, who moved into 17th place on the NHL's all-time list for Nashville, scored twice. Nils Hoglander also contributed two goals for Nashville. Juuse Saros made 33 saves, while Filip Forsberg chipped in with two assists.

Matthews opened the scoring at 7:13 of the first period on a power play after Stolarz made crucial stops. Nashville doubled its lead at 9:08 when Hoglander converted a rebound off the end boards. Toronto responded at 4:56 of the second period when Tavares capitalized on a rush, and Nylander added another goal. Stamkos scored his second to restore a two-goal lead at 13:30, but McKenna quickly tied things up with his first NHL goal 61 seconds later.

Roslovic tied the game at 8:54 of the third period with a dramatic goal, leading to the late drama, which included Toronto failing to capitalize on a 3-on-0 power play in overtime, ultimately leading to Matthews' winning goal.