San Jose Sharks center Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrates after scoring in the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
The San Jose Sharks secured a thrilling 6-5 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night, despite nearly squandering a late lead. Tyler Toffoli was the star of the night, scoring twice and assisting another, helping the Sharks stay ahead for most of the game.
San Jose built a 5-3 lead with under a minute left, thanks to goals from Collin Graf, Alexander Wennberg, and William Eklund. However, Toronto staged a dramatic comeback in the dying seconds. John Tavares pulled one back with 59 seconds remaining, and William Nylander, with his second goal of the night, tied the game just 14 seconds before the final buzzer.
The game then headed into a shootout, where Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini found the net for the Sharks. Meanwhile, San Jose’s goalie Alexandar Georgiev held firm, denying Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to secure the win after allowing Nylander to score on Toronto’s first attempt. Georgiev also made 30 saves in regulation.
Matthews and Scott Laughton had earlier netted second-period goals for the Leafs, while Toronto’s goalie Joseph Woll matched Georgiev’s effort with 30 saves of his own.
Sharks Shock Leafs: Key Moments & Takeaways
Turning Point
Graf made history by becoming the first Sharks rookie to score a short-handed goal since Tomas Plihal in 2008. His crucial goal added to San Jose’s momentum before Toronto’s late-game heroics.
Key Stat
Wennberg notched his 100th career goal, adding a personal milestone to the Sharks' dramatic victory.
What’s Next?
The Maple Leafs continue their California road trip with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, while the Sharks will host the New York Rangers the same night.
