Rangers' Adam Fox and Maple Leafs' John Tavares fight for control of the puck during the first period at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in New York City. (Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a night to remember in Manhattan, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday. Not only did this mark their third consecutive win, but it was also their 20th road victory of the 2024-25 season. With this triumph, the Leafs remain neck-and-neck with the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division, both teams tied at 87 points after Florida’s 1-0 win over Columbus.
But beyond the scoreboard, this game was special for several players who reached career milestones, making it an unforgettable night for Leafs fans.
Tavares Hits 1,100 Career Points
Captain John Tavares led the charge with two goals and an assist, cementing his place in NHL history as the 68th player to reach 1,100 career points. His second-period goal sealed the milestone, pushing his career total to 485 goals. This achievement also moved him past former Leafs captain Darryl Sittler into 54th place on the all-time NHL scoring list. Tavares now stands as one of only eight active players to hit this remarkable mark.
Nylander Joins Leafs’ Elite Club
William Nylander reached a personal milestone as well, notching his 600th career point with an assist on Tavares’ first-period goal. That achievement makes him only the ninth player in Leafs history to reach 600 points. What’s more, Nylander is now the fastest active Swedish player to hit the mark, surpassing Nashville’s Filip Forsberg, who took 694 games to do so. Nylander accomplished it in just 672 games.
Knies’ Breakout Season Continues
Matthew Knies kept his stellar season rolling, scoring his 25th goal of the campaign to give the Leafs a 4-2 lead in the second period. At just 22 years old, Knies is proving he has the makings of a future star, and this likely won’t be his last 25-goal season in the NHL.
McCabe’s Playmaking Stands Out
Defenceman Jake McCabe also made history by assisting on Toronto’s first three goals, marking the first three-assist game of his 637-game NHL career. Previously, he had recorded two assists in a game 14 times, but this night set a new personal best.
McMann and Stolarz Step Up
Bobby McMann capped off a strong performance by deflecting a McCabe shot past Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin with just 10 seconds left in the first period. That tally marked McMann’s 19th goal of the season, further establishing his role in the Leafs' offensive attack.
Meanwhile, goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves to secure his first win since Feb. 28—ironically, also against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Stolarz snapped a four-game losing streak with the victory.
Rangers’ Late Push Falls Short
Despite a last-minute goal from Chris Kreider and earlier scores by Will Borgen and Artemi Panarin, the Rangers couldn’t complete the comeback. The Leafs' ability to control the game in the second period proved to be the difference-maker.
