Auston Matthews scored the winner with 606 left in regulation as the Toronto Maple Leafs recovered from an early 20 deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 43 on Tuesday to take a 32 lead in their firstround playoff series
Auston Matthews scored the winner with 6:06 left in regulation as the Toronto Maple Leafs recovered from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Tuesday to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.
William Nylander added a goal and two assists for Toronto, which sits one victory from advancing in the post-season for the first time since 2004.
John Tavares, with a goal and an assist, and Morgan Rielly also scored for the Leafs. Jack Campbell stopped 32 shots.
Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh replied for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, who will look to stave off elimination in the best-of-seven matchup Thursday at home.
Nikita Kucherov added two assists. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 22 saves.
Game 7, if necessary, would be back at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.