Maple Leafs Stage Epic Comeback, Defeat Canadiens 7-3 in Hockey Day Thriller

MONTREAL, Canada — The Toronto Maple Leafs staged a stunning comeback against the Montreal Canadiens on Hockey Day in Canada, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to win 7-3 on Saturday, January 19, 2025. The victory snapped Montreal’s six-game point streak and electrified fans at the Bell Centre.

The Canadiens dominated the first period, scoring three unanswered goals. However, the Maple Leafs roared back in the second and third periods, with William Nylander tying the game 24 seconds into the final frame. Oliver Ekman-Larsson then scored the go-ahead goal on a power play, followed by insurance goals from Auston Matthews and Steven Lorentz.

“We knew we had to step up after the first period,” said Nylander, who finished with a goal and an assist. “The energy in the building shifted, and we just kept pushing.”

The Maple Leafs’ comeback mirrored an earlier Hockey Day in Canada game, where the Ottawa Senators rallied to defeat the Boston Bruins in a shootout. Toronto’s victory showcased their resilience and offensive firepower, with seven different players contributing to the scoring.

Montreal coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged his team’s inability to maintain momentum. “We started strong, but Toronto capitalized on their chances,” he said. “We need to learn from this and stay consistent for 60 minutes.”

The win improved Toronto’s record to 28-15-5, while Montreal fell to 22-20-3. The game marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two Original Six franchises, drawing a sellout crowd of 21,302.