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Toronto Maple Leafs: Three Takeaways From Centennial Classic Win

By Eduardo Razo

Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings took their “Original Six rivalry” to BMO Field for an entertaining Centennial Classic.

Sun glare delayed the start of the game, but aside from that, the game went on without weather becoming a factor for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

The first two periods were slow, with the lone goal coming from Anthony Mantha. In the third period, the floodgates opened with seven goals total. Leo Komarov began the scoring filled third as he stuffed in the puck past Jared Coreau. In a tie game, Matt Martin and Steve Ott dropped the gloves to give their respective side the momentum.

Safe to say that the Martin fight ignited Toronto’s offense. Following the scrap, the buds reeled off three straight goals courtesy of Mitch Marner, Connor Brown, and Auston Matthews.

Toronto had a comfortable 4-1 lead, but Detroit did not go quietly. Jonathan Ericcson started the comeback by firing a slapshot past Frederik Andersen. Dylan Larkin made the ending interesting by cutting the led to one with 1:46 left in the game.

After seeing a three-goal led cut to one, anxiety kicked in for Toronto fans. Then the dagger came from Mantha who scored at the horn in an albeit controversial fashion. Although the argument of goalie interference appeared valid, the referees decided, after further review, that Mantha’s goal would stand.

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