Toronto Maple Leafs complete stunning 5-4 comeback as McKenna scores first NHL goal
The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a three-goal deficit to beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime, with Auston Matthews scoring the winning goal. Gavin McKenna celebrated his first NHL goal, contributing to the comeback. Toronto improved to 2-2-0, with all games decided by a single goal this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs erased a three-goal deficit and defeated the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena, with Auston Matthews scoring the winner just 14 seconds before the extra period expired.
Gavin McKenna, the first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, recorded his first NHL goal and assist, while Matthews finished with four points in one of Toronto’s most dramatic performances of the young season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs improved to 2-2-0 after overcoming deficits of 3-0 and 4-2. All four of their games this season have been decided by a single goal.
William Nylander contributed a goal and two assists, while Jack Roslovic added a goal and an assist. Anthony Stolarz finished with 21 saves.
Toronto Maple Leafs erase three-goal deficit
Nashville controlled the opening stages, building a 2-0 advantage before the first period reached its halfway point.
Steven Stamkos opened the scoring on the power play at 7:13, capitalizing after Toronto failed to clear its defensive zone on three occasions. Nils Hoglander doubled the advantage less than two minutes later, collecting a rebound off the end boards and finishing from beside the net.
The Predators extended their lead early in the second period when Hoglander scored his second goal at 3:03.
Facing a 3-0 deficit, Toronto finally found a response through John Tavares.
McKenna delivered the puck to Tavares in transition, and the veteran forward beat Juuse Saros from the left face-off circle at 4:56.
The assist marked McKenna’s first NHL point after going scoreless through his opening three games.
Nylander brought the Maple Leafs within one at 6:58, converting a rebound on the power play after Saros stopped Matthews’ initial attempt.
Nashville briefly restored its two-goal cushion when Stamkos scored his second of the night at 13:30, making it 4-2.
But Toronto’s comeback was far from finished.
Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal in crucial moment
McKenna delivered one of the game’s defining moments at 14:31 of the second period.
Receiving a pass from Matthews along the right boards, the 18-year-old moved into shooting position and beat Saros above the blocker from near the right face-off circle.
The goal reduced Nashville’s lead to 4-3 and gave McKenna his first NHL goal in his fourth career game.
“A big monkey off the back, that one felt good. That’s a goal I’ll obviously remember forever,” McKenna said.
The rookie acknowledged that the wait had felt longer than three games, but said he had been focused on improving with each appearance.
Toronto head coach Jim Hiller praised both the execution and timing of the goal.
“That goal was a goal-scorer’s goal,” Hiller said. “We know he’s a playmaker, by trade he’s a playmaker, but that was a goal-scorer’s goal.”
McKenna finished the night with two points, contributing directly to Toronto’s comeback after Nashville had established a commanding early advantage.
Matthews delivers overtime winner
Toronto completed its comeback midway through the third period.
Matthews found Roslovic with a pass that sent the forward alone toward the Nashville net. Roslovic lifted his shot over Saros’ glove at 8:54 to tie the game 4-4.
The Maple Leafs appeared to take their first lead less than three minutes later when Nylander scored at 11:49. However, Nashville successfully challenged the play for offside, and the goal was overturned.
Neither team scored again in regulation, sending the game to overtime.
With the extra period nearing its conclusion, Nylander fired a shot from the right face-off circle. Matthews collected the rebound and finished the play to secure Toronto’s 5-4 victory.
The captain ended the night with one goal and three assists.
Hiller highlighted Matthews’ overall performance rather than focusing exclusively on the winning goal.
“From just a pure hockey perspective, to appreciate his game tonight, it was really a special night for him,” Hiller said.
The victory gave the Toronto Maple Leafs their second win of the season and provided momentum before an upcoming road trip.
For Nashville, Stamkos and Hoglander each scored twice, while Filip Forsberg recorded two assists. Saros made 32 saves as the Predators fell to 1-1-1.
Toronto’s next challenge will be carrying its improved second-half performance into the upcoming games after needing a substantial comeback to secure the result against Nashville.
