In a pivotal moment during the game, Bertuzzi had a golden chance to even the score eight minutes into the period. Tavares skillfully directed the puck past Korpisalo, who found himself off to the side of the net. The puck settled just centimeters shy of the goal line, but Bertuzzi, entangled with a defender, couldn’t capitalize on the open net.
With 2:27 left on the clock, Tkachuk sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, deflating the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena.
**GOAL SCORING FEAT**
Matthews continues his impressive goal-scoring spree in the 2023-24 season. The 26-year-old’s two-goal performance against Columbus last Saturday brought his total to a league-leading 28 goals in just 30 games. He now stands as the first player since Jaromir Jagr in 1996-97 to achieve 27-plus goals in the initial 30 games of a season. Furthermore, Matthews joins the ranks of Frank Mahovlich from 1960-61 as the second Toronto player in the modern era (since 1943-44) to achieve this remarkable feat.
**STAR-STUDDED SPECTATORS**
The crowd at Scotiabank Arena erupted in cheers as Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey took in the game. Also present were Canadian actor Will Arnett and Toronto’s own skateboarding sensation Fay De Fazio Ebert, who clinched gold at the Pan American Games. Their appearances on the jumbotron were met with enthusiastic ovations from the audience.
**WHAT’S NEXT**
Looking ahead, the Leafs are set for a Friday night showdown in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, the Senators will be hosting the New Jersey Devils on Friday, promising more hockey action and excitement for fans on both fronts.