Nylander’s OT Goal Lifts Leafs Over Blues, Ends 5-Game Slide

UPDATE: In a thrilling overtime finish, William Nylander scored the decisive goal at 4:06 of extra time, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a crucial 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on November 18, 2025. This victory snaps a frustrating five-game losing streak for the Leafs, who have faced significant injuries and underperformance this season.

The Leafs entered the game with a record of 9-9-2, desperately needing a win after dropping four of their last five contests in regulation. In a testament to their resilience, Jake McCabe and Steven Lorentz also contributed goals to secure the win. Joseph Woll, in only his second start of the season, made 27 saves, showcasing his potential as the team grapples with injuries.

The game began with a chaotic first period. Nylander accidentally put the puck in his own net, but McCabe quickly equalized for Toronto. Lorentz then gave the Leafs a short-lived lead, as Dalibor Dvorsky tied the game for St. Louis on a power play, leaving the score at 2-2 after two periods.

Toronto’s lineup was significantly impacted by injuries, missing no fewer than seven regulars, including star forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. Adding to their woes, defenseman Brandon Carlo joined the sidelined ranks alongside Chris Tanev, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz remained out.

In a notable milestone, Blues veteran defenseman Justin Faulk played in his 1,000th regular-season game, joining fellow members of the 2010 draft class to reach this impressive mark.

As the Leafs look to build momentum, they will host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Blues are set to visit the Philadelphia Flyers on the same day.

This game marks a pivotal moment for the Leafs as they fight to regain their footing in the season. Fans are hopeful that this victory can catalyze a turnaround amidst ongoing challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates as both teams navigate the demanding NHL season.