The Toronto Maple Leafs entered Tuesday’s game searching for a victory after consecutive third-period collapses led to back-to-back losses.
On Tuesday, facing a Chicago Blackhawks team missing injured franchise player Connor Bedard, the Leafs fell behind early as Chicago struck twice in the opening frame.
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That led fans through Scotiabank Arena to boo their team after the first period in clear frustration for what was going down on the ice.
Adding wood to the fire, Leafs head coach Craig Berube had publicly challenged the Leafs’ leadership group after their latest loss to the Edmonton Oilers last weekend.
After a scoreless second period, Toronto pulled off a comeback during the third and final frame, and captain Auston Matthews discussed the performance after the final horn.
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“I think other than the last 10 minutes of the first period, I thought we played pretty solid,” Matthews said. “I think it just got away from us there after 10, a couple of bad breaks. I think we stopped taking care of the puck, and turnovers were obviously an issue.”
Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored Toronto’s first goal to spark the comeback, and Matthews followed with the tying power-play goal, then saw his team score the game-winning goal eight seconds later.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) and forward Auston Matthews (34) discuss a play.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“The boo birds were coming down, rightfully so,” Matthews said while addressing fans jeering the Leafs during the first intermission and through the first two periods of play. “I think after that first goal, the crowd really got into it, which is great. And then after the second one, the place was rocking.”
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Dakota Joshua buried the final goal to give the Leafs the 3-2 win against Chicago, pushing Toronto to a 15-12-5 record and 35 points in 32 games played.
Toronto will begin a three-game road trip Thursday by facing the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. ET.
Related: Fans Label Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen ‘Delusional’ Over Playoffs Message
Related: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews’ Blunt Response After Craig Berube’s Comments
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.