October 23, 2026

LEAFS ON A ROLL THIS WEEK WITH LAST MINUTE 5-4 WIN OVER RANGERS THURSDAY, AS THEY FACE MIGHTY McDAVID AND OILERS TOMORROW NIGHT

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TORONTO — Last night’s third win this week offered promise if not full proof of a turnaround season.

Relying on fourth line scoring — and three season-first goals — the Toronto Maple Leafs topped the hot-shot New York Rangers 5-4 in game that was only 26 seconds shy of OT until the winner by Troy Stecher on his season-first goal from the face-off circle.

They face the mighty Connor McDavid and Edmonton at home tomorrow night after the Oilers captain scored twice and added three assists last night at home to beat Carolina 6-5 in a shootout — and giving him an amazing 31 points (8 goals, 23 assists) in just 10 games. Putting him on pace for an incredible 250 points this season.

So it will need to be all hands on all sticks Saturday for the Leafs who themselves are now on a strong run with their third straight win this week.

A thrilling last minute 5-4 win by the Toronto Maple Leafs last night over their Original 6 oppoents the New York Rangers brought the screaming crowd to their feet. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Easton Cowan broke open Thursday’s New York game at 1:36 of the first on a beautiful breakaway with a top shelfer over the glove of the Rangers goalie Dylan Garand — the sophomore’s fifth of the season.

Teddy Blueger and Brandon Duhaime were next on the score sheet for the first time as Leafs goal-scorers.

Kirill Marchenko, with his sixth (a power play marker) gave Toronto a 4-3 late second period lead, followed by Ranger Alexis Lafrenière who returned the visitors a 4-3 lead at 14-25 of the final 20-minute frame.

And before Stecher saved the day coming home and sending the blue and white crowd into a frenzy. He was the third star.

Fans of Auston Matthews were hoping for a little more scoring from the Leafs captain like earlier this week. But Toronto didn’t need his firepower with a lot of help from their fourth line and three first-time Leaf goal scorers.

In a game that was tied at times, new head coach Jim Hiller called it a pretty much equal match and said it was his team’s “best even effort” of the young season

And improved them to 6-4-2(OTL) with 14 points in 12 Atlantic Conference games. The Rangers, who were off to a frenetic start, are 7-4-1(OTL) and 15 points in their dozen the Metropolitan Division match-ups.

While Toronto’s fourth line came up big spreading the scoring around, neither their captain Auston Matthews or William Nylander managed to lead this time as the past week around the net — though both had some good chances but still failing to connect or convert on opportunities around and in front of the Rangers goal despite solid attempts that either topped the net, missed it or were rebuffed by a solid Garand in his losing effort.

Sergei Bobrovsky gave up more goals than usual, but where when it counted and got the win as the Leafs out-shot their opponents 35-25.

No. 1 Leafs draft pick Gavin McKenna, who had just 10:44 in ice time, had one shot and an assist on Marchenko’s goal. He also had his chance on the blue line of the Leafs power-play with Matthews and Nylander.

Former Leafs captain John Tavares remained out of the line-up after a lower body injury in a game at home against Buffalo a week ago Thursday. He could be out several weeks.

New York is in Ottawa Saturday night.

STATS: The Leafs were out-hit by the Rangers 34-19; and New York won 36 face-offs to Toronto’s 35. But the home side won the blocked shots 16-6. The Leafs were 1/2 on the power play and the Rangers 0/1. New York had two penalties (hooking, interference) and Toronto one (Jack Roslovic, tripping).

**Alex Hogg, of Bracebridge, was one of those “Celebrating My First Time Toronto Maple Leafs Game” Thursday at the Rgoers Centre.**

Muskoka Hospice fundraiser:

For fans new — or returning after years — to the Leafs games at the Rogers Centre, nine goals and just three penalties were exciting and entertaining enough to watch in the always raucous home bowl setting.

And a great family affair.

Certainly in the Platinum seat section where Alex Hogg and “Pappa Mark” enjoyed the game after buying Bracebridge Bears Alumni Golf Tournament auction tickets in aid of their annual summer fundraising contribution to Muskoka Hospice’s Andy’s Place. Each year they don’t about $11,000 from their summer tourney.

Even as the Leafs no longer offer programs for sale (“Haven’t for years.”) While everything else is up for sale to the highest bidder from t-shirts to fast food and soft and hard beverages. … And stadium entry and seats are mostly now only available electronically via smart phones. (“Sorry no hard copy souvenirs,” said the ticket office attendant beforehand.) A few last minutes tickets are often still available in person at the box office in three hours before puck drop.