Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) netted the deciding goal in a shootout against Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka (70) on Monday night in Salt Lake City. The NHL matchup ended with Toronto securing the win. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)


March 11, 2025 Tags:

Mitch Marner sealed the victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs with a clutch shootout goal, leading his team to a 4-3 win against the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night.

Toronto’s William Nylander, Calle Jarnkrok, and Simon Benoit found the net in regulation, while goaltender Joseph Woll made 30 saves. The win was a much-needed boost for the Leafs, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak.

Utah, on the other hand, put up a strong fight. Nick Schmaltz, Barrett Hayton, and Michael Carcone scored, helping the team erase a three-goal deficit. Karel Vejmelka stopped 23 shots in net for Utah, which had won four of its last six games before this matchup.

Game Breakdown

Toronto started strong with Nylander and Jarnkrok capitalizing on power plays in the first period, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Benoit extended it to 3-0 early in the second period, making it look like the Leafs had the game in control.

However, Utah fought back hard. Carcone got them on the board midway through the second period. Less than a minute later, Schmaltz narrowed the gap to one. Then, with just under eight minutes left in the period, Hayton scored a power-play goal to complete Utah’s comeback, tying the game at 3-3.

The third period saw both teams battle fiercely, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the game into overtime. After a scoreless extra frame, the game went to a shootout.

Auston Matthews and Marner delivered in the shootout for Toronto, while Clayton Keller responded for Utah. In the end, Marner’s slick goal proved to be the decider, securing the much-needed victory for the Leafs.

Key Takeaways

  • Toronto’s Grit: The Leafs struggled at even strength, with only one non-power-play goal, but they managed to grind out a crucial win that keeps them close to the Atlantic Division-leading Florida Panthers.
  • Utah’s Resilience: Despite being down three goals, Utah clawed back and forced a shootout, proving they are a tough team to beat.
  • Marner’s Moment: With trade rumours swirling and free agency looming, Marner stepped up when it mattered most, helping Toronto snap its losing streak.

By the Numbers

This was only Toronto’s second shootout appearance this season and their first win. Meanwhile, Carolina, Boston, and Edmonton remain winless in shootouts so far.

What’s Next?

  • Toronto Maple Leafs: They will face the Florida Panthers at home on Thursday.
  • Utah Hockey Club: They will host the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Pettersson Steps Up as Canucks Fight for Playoff Spot

After a slow start to the season, Elias Pettersson is hitting his stride at the right time, boosting the Vancouver....

Mountour’s 4-Second Overtime Goal Sets NHL Record in Kraken Win

Brandon Montour made NHL history on Wednesday night, scoring just four seconds into overtime to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory....

Raptors’ Bench Players Shine as 2024-25 NBA Season Nears End

Jared Rhoden had a career-best night, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 118-105....

Vancouver Whitecaps Stun Monterrey to Reach Champions Cup Quarters

The Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off a stunning result, securing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals after a hard-fought....

Vasko’s Late Goal Seals Ottawa’s 3-2 Win Over Minnesota

The Ottawa Charge pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday night, securing three crucial points....

Suzuki, Slafkovsky Lead Canadiens to 4-2 Victory Over Canucks

The Montreal Canadiens secured a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, with standout performances from Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick....

Sabres End Losing Streak with 3-2 Victory Over Oilers

The Buffalo Sabres finally put an end to their six-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers....

Brad Jacobs Stages Stunning Comeback to Win Second Brier Title

Brad Jacobs and his Alberta team pulled off a thrilling comeback on Sunday night, securing their second Montana's Brier title....

Brad Marchand, Traded to Panthers in Major Bruins Shake-Up

In a surprising move, the Boston Bruins have traded veteran forward Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers in exchange for....

Islanders Trade Brock Nelson to Avalanche in Major NHL Deal

For the first time in his 12-year NHL career, Brock Nelson is leaving the New York Islanders. The team has....

Sharks Trade Walman to the Oilers in Bold Roster Shake-Up

The San Jose Sharks continued their dramatic roster overhaul by trading defenceman Jake Walman to the Edmonton Oilers. In return,....

Soucy’s Late Goal Seals Canucks’ 3-2 Win Over Ducks

The Vancouver Canucks edged out the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Wednesday night, thanks to a decisive goal from Carson Soucy.....