- The Maple Leafs had a magical rally against the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-3 OT.
- Vancouver Canucks defeated Minnesota Wild, 5-4 OT, and advanced to the playoffs.
- Blackhawks eliminated Edmonton Oilers after a 3-2 defeat.
Toronto’s Incredible Mental Power
One of the best days for the Maple Leafs fans in recent history happened this Friday. Their team would lose a game less than 24 hours before, even though having a three-goal lead, and facing the end of the season.
Columbus was up 3-0 when Boone Jenner scored with 5:42 to go, and another frustration was at sight for the Maple Leafs army. But a fantastic comeback, and three goals in the span of three and a half minutes, spiced up with Auston Matthews overtime game-winner at 13:10 of the OT caused an explosion on the social networks.
“I don’t really know what to really feel in the moment, to be honest,” Matthews said. “I think your mind just kind of goes blank.”
Scorers for the Blue Jackets were Cam Atkinson, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Boone Jenner, who delivered goals in each frame.
On the other side, it was Matthews who broke the ice for Toronto, then came Zach Hyman, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
The decisive Game 5 takes place this Sunday at 8 pm ET in Toronto.
Canucks Eliminate Wild After Four Games
Another Canadian team saw a comeback, and an OT win last night – Vancouver Canucks. They were constantly behind Minnesota Wild who was up 3-1 coming into the last frame, but managed to force overtime and to win after just 11 seconds of play in the same. The final result, 5-4 for the Canadian side.
Christopher Tanev delivered a winner, which turned out to be the second-fastest OT goal ever in the NHL playoffs. He also had two assists tonight.
“[Tanev] doesn’t get a lot of credit for that part of the game,” Travis Green, Vancouver’s head coach said. “He’s a warrior, he’s been a great mentor for our young players, great teammate.”
The scorers for the Canucks were Bo Horvat, Quinn Hughes, and Tanner Pearson. Each of these guys also recorded an assist.
Luke Kunin, Eric Staal, Joel Erikson and Nico Sturm were the scorers for Wild.
The series ended with 3-1 for Vancouver. Canucks now await the loser from the match between the reigning champions, St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars.
Oilers Finish the Season, Lose to Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks eliminated Oilers from the Qualifying Cup, after a 3-2 win this Friday. The series concluded 3-1 in favor of the team from Chicago.
Edmonton opened the match better, scoring after just 45 seconds of play through Josh Archibald. Until the middle of the frame, the situation had already changed with Brandon Saad and Matthew Highmore delivering a goal each, to turn the game upside down completely.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins brought back the Oilers, with the only goal in the second period, and both teams entered the last period leveled.
In the end, Dominik Kubalik scored what would turn out to be a goal that propelled the Blackhawks to the playoffs.
