Maple Leafs' 3rd Period Comeback Secures 4-3 Win Over Penguins
Despite leading for 40 minutes, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost their grip during a crucial five-minute stretch in the third period. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins faced off for the first time this 2025-26 season on Prime Monday Night Hockey.
Game Context
- The Penguins entered the game as the second-best team in the Metro Division, aiming to continue their early-season momentum.
- The Maple Leafs were tied for last place in the Atlantic Division, seeking to build on their strong performance against the Philadelphia Flyers the previous Saturday.
First Period Recap
The opening period featured a fast pace, with minimal stoppages in the first five minutes, enabling both teams to engage quickly. The first notable scoring chance came just before the 12-minute mark when Sidney Crosby intercepted a pass and passed to Evgeni Malkin, whose shot went wide.
Both teams traded opportunities, but the period remained scoreless until Erik Karlsson scored with 6:52 remaining. Assisted by Crosby's cross-ice pass, Karlsson fired a shot over goalie Anthony Stolarz. This was Karlsson's first goal of the season.
Key Moments
- After a Maple Leafs power play, no goal was scored.
- The Penguins briefly appeared to score again, but the goal was reviewed to confirm its validity.
"Erik Karlsson broke the ice with 6:52 left in the first. He got a beautiful pass from Crosby, who sent it across the ice. That allowed Karlsson to walk in and rip it over the shoulder of Anthony Stolarz for his first goal of the season."
The Maple Leafs' resilience in the last segment of the game ultimately led to their comeback victory.
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