Toronto Maple Leafs Make History with Incredible Comeback Win

With less than four minutes remaining in what could have been a season-ending Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they decided to make history instead.

To say it’s been a back and forth battle between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs thus far throughout this play-in series would be an accurate assessment.

Columbus took Game 1 and shutout the Maple Leafs. Toronto returned the favour in Game 2, blanking the Blue Jackets. Columbus followed that up with a three-goal comeback to then end Game 3 in overtime. The Leafs did the same in Game 4.

So, what can we expect for Game 5? Maple Leafs fans have already experienced a far more eventful post-season rollercoaster than anticipated. Hopefully, Toronto’s ride keeps moving forward.

In the meantime, let’s breakdown how they managed to pull off the historic conclusion to cap off Game 4, pushing the series to a winner take all scenario for this best-of-5.

Columbus Maintains Control

Revisiting last game’s recap, the Blue Jackets got on the board in each of the first and second periods. They held steady with a 2-0 lead throughout most of the match, while the Toronto Maple Leafs simply couldn’t respond.

As the second intermission came and went, and this game headed into what seemed like its final frame, the reality was setting in that it could be Toronto’s last of the 2019-20 campaign.

Technically, there was still time. They would need to bring unmatched pressure, throw pucks at the net, hope for a bounce, and this game could become 2-1. From there, anything could happen.

But the Blue Jackets had other plans, as they scored again at 14:18 of the third period. This made it 3-0, with less than six minutes remaining, and Columbus nearing closer to ending the series.

Just a couple days prior, the Blue Jackets had erased a 3-0 deficit of their own en route to capturing Game 3 in overtime. They did it with a gradual climb, though, which began mid-way through that contest.

There was no way Toronto, or any team for that matter, could find their way back into this one with such little time remaining. Especially after being shut down for the majority of the night. Right?

Producers Not Performing

Prior to Game 4, Toronto’s top performers hadn’t yet done enough throughout this series to be as dominant as is required to beat the Blue Jackets. Regardless of any individual effort, the Maple Leafs needed actual production.

From puck drop and onward through this one, opportunities were being found and chances created. Unfortunately, Toronto’s lineup wasn’t capitalizing in a way that garnered control.

It was draining to witness, so one can only imagine the fluctuations in energy levels on their bench. They really did look like they wanted it, but Columbus seemingly wasn’t going to allow that.

Following the late third goal for the Blue Jackets, by which point Toronto still hadn’t yet scored their first, it seemed logical to prepare for the storylines that would flood our feeds highlighting this failure.

Clearly, the Maple Leafs prefer to wake up with positive timelines to peruse. More notably, their stars took over to ensure this roster would make it to another day of competition.

An Eventful Few Minutes

With 3:57 remaining, down 3-0 on the scoreboard, William Nylander decided it was time to break the shutout. Following a frantic scramble, after they forced play to the front of the net, Nylander made sure to push the puck to the back of it.

The game was 3-1 and there were less than four minutes to do much more about it.

Less than a minute later, at 16:54, John Tavares took advantage of an opportunity to ensure he ended this post-season with more than one goal. An offensive zone entry led to an opportunity at the hash marks, followed by a precise Tavares snapshot.

Toronto then down by only one, with the score at 3-2.

With an empty net at their end, the Maple Leafs navigated action the other way. Some crisp, cross-ice passing culminated in a net-front chance for Zach Hyman. He took full advantage, finishing the play he started.

At 19:37 of the third, with less than 30 seconds remaining, the game was tied 3-3.

Toronto had turned what seemed impossible, to be improbable, and then as their reality. Not only did they come back from being down by three, but they did it all within the last few shifts of regulation.

This one was headed to overtime.

Capping Off the Comeback

With their season on the line, the Toronto Maple Leafs would have to regroup and regenerate for the most important period of their year thus far.

Whatever they did, worked. Toronto came out with more energy than they’d mustered all game. An impressive display for a team that just poured that much effort into the last few minutes played.

That which should have emptied their collective tanks refuelled them instead. The Maple Leafs gained control and earned chances. Then the Blue Jackets took a tripping penalty at 13:00 of OT.

After a Tavares faceoff loss, Morgan Rielly foiled a Columbus clear out attempt and moved the puck down the boards to Mitch Marner.

Following a quick touch, it was on their captain’s stick as he found himself in the faceoff dot. Tavares then threw it out in front of the crease.

Ready and waiting, Auston Matthews was right where he needed to be. His perfectly placed one-timer made its way to where most of those such chances do for him, as Matthews scored the game-winner.

Requiring only 10 seconds of power play time to complete their comeback, the Maple Leafs had forced a final and deciding Game 5 of this Stanley Cup Qualifiers series.

Toronto’s timely performance to capture Game 4 set an NHL record. They are the first team to erase a three-goal deficit and achieve the win, after giving up a three-goal lead to lose their previous match.

As their year seemed to slip away with each passing minute, they found a way to pull it back. What Toronto overcame, generating an opportunity to extend their season, is nothing short of amazing.

If they expect to be playing meaningful hockey following Game 5, the Toronto Maple Leafs need to elevate beyond their effort from Game 4. The momentum they’ve now generated should be an undeniable advantage.