Auston Matthews secured victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs with an overtime goal, clinching a 2–1 win against the Anaheim Ducks on January 3. The Leafs, persistent with 57 shots on goal, witnessed standout goaltending from Martin Jones, who made 27 saves in two consecutive nights.
John Tavares contributed to the comeback, scoring with less than six minutes left in regulation to force overtime. Matthews, notching his 30th goal of the season in the extra period, capitalized on a pass from Mitchell Marner, sealing the win with his 13th shot of the game.
Tavares praised Matthews, highlighting his elite skills and ability to create opportunities. Matthews’ 30 goals in 35 games mark his eighth season with at least 30 goals, tying for fifth among U.S.-born players.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledged Matthews’ elevated performance in recent weeks, emphasizing his relentless efforts during the game with 13 shots and 20 attempts.
Frank Vatrano scored for the Ducks, who faced their third consecutive loss, dropping to 1–5–0 on an eight-game homestand. The Maple Leafs dealt with a setback as Bobby McMann received a game misconduct for boarding, but Pavel Mintyukov returned after a brief injury scare.
After a scoreless first period, Anaheim took the lead in the middle period with Vatrano’s goal, considered short-handed due to a 4-on-4 situation. Despite Dostal’s 55 saves for the Ducks, Tavares found the net in regulation, breaking Toronto’s 181-game streak without being shut out.
The Ducks played without forward Troy Terry (injured reserve), defenseman Radko Gudas (illness), and forward Ryan Strome (upper body). Isac Lundestrom returned for the Ducks, seeing 10:43 of ice time in his first game of the season.