Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Big Win in Double Overtime, Momentum Shifts

By Andrew Boehmer |
Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (28) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (28) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs dominated play against the Washington Capitals Saturday night.

In doing so, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their first win of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was a thrilling spectacle to witness as the game went into double overtime. Both teams looked tired near the end, but the Leafs were better prepared for the task at hand and it showed, big.

Both games in round one for the Leafs have ended in overtime, the first being won by the Capitals. I would even argue that the Leafs outplayed them in that game, but fell short due to a couple of weak goals.

And I do dare say weak goals.

However, on Saturday night, they dictated play and the result is just beautiful.

Box Score and Scoring Summary

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This doesn’t look like a number one seeded team in the league playing the worst seeded team in the Eastern Conference. It looks like two great teams going head to head for some fast-paced, exciting hockey.

It was just game two out of a possible seven, but it felt like a do or die situation for the Leafs. The momentum carried over from game one’s overtime decision and was in the hands of the Capitals.

Had they won back to back games in overtime at home, it might’ve been the end for the Leafs and their round two playoffs dreams.

Think about it, the momentum from two overtime wins, one being in double overtime would be a tremendous advantage. That would’ve been devastating to the Leafs players, not to mention the Leafs community.

They needed this win and did they ever deserve it.

Let’s check out the box score.

The Leafs started out strong once again, scoring the first goal of the game.

That was followed by two consecutive powerplay goals by the Capitals until the Leafs stopped the bleeding by adding another to tie the game at two apiece.

One more from each team would find the back of the net, sending the game into its first overtime.

After four periods, there was still more hockey to be played.

The Unlikely Hero(s)

At 11:53 in the fifth period of play, Brian Boyle made a silky pass behind the net and behind his back to Kasperi Kapanen who notched the game winner and his second of the night.

And yes, I just said the fifth period.

Fifth.

Yes, Kapanen is Saturday night’s unlikely hero.

But, there’s more than meets the eye with this game, so here are some quick hits to get you caught up.

  • Matt Martin (two assists)
  • Mitchell Marner (one assist)
  • Boyle (two assists)
  • James van Riemsdyk (one goal)
  • Kapanen (two goals)
  • Tyler Bozak (one assist)
  • Morgan Rielly (one assist and 39:56 TOI)
  • Jake Gardiner (one assist and 40:34 TOI)
  • Frederik Andersen (.940 save percentage)

The Leafs outshot the Capitals 51 to 50, winning 61% of all faceoffs and blocking 35 shots. It was a team effort and the statistics don’t do the overall performance justice. Andersen looked sharp again, Marner had a great defensive game and even Martin Marincin played well.

I know, Marincin, right?

Huh.

I’m Not Going to Say I Was Right, But…

I may have previously mentioned that having Kapanen in the lineup was better off for the Leafs than having Nikita Soshnikov in. I know that Soshnikov is out because of injury, but you cannot deny that Kapanen is making a statement.

A bold one at that.

He scored the tying goal in the Leafs playoff clinching game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and two goals in game two Saturday night, one being the game winner.

So, I’m not going to say I was right, but I’ll just leave this here.

Game Two Notes and Prepping for Game Three

It was hard to watch and is a tough loss for the Leafs as Roman Polak sustained a lower leg injury during the game that will keep him out for the remainder of the playoffs.

At first glance, it seems like an aggravation to his lingering knee issue. But upon further review, it looks like an ankle injury.

Ouch.

The Leafs were able to swing the momentum to their side after tying the series 1-1, headed into game three at home on Monday night. They showed that they can not only keep up with the league’s very best but beat them.

Better yet, beat them in their own barn to add insult to injury. Now, let’s see what these boys can do on home ice as they look to take the series lead.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM Monday night, live from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

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