*Photo from the Toronto Star*
When the Toronto Maple Leafs needed him, William Nylander was there. In fact, he basically won them the game. Nylander scored twice, Michael Hutchinson stopped 21 shots, and the Maple Leafs topped the Calgary Flames with a 2-1 overtime win on Wednesday night.
The scoring in this game did not start until the last minutes of the 3rd period. It was Andrew Mangiapane who started the scoring, notching his 7th goal at the 16:33 mark of the 3rd to make it 1-0 Flames. 2 minutes later, Nylander scored the tying goal in a netfront scramble, tying the game at one. 1:06 into overtime, Nylander slid one into the net to give Toronto the 2-1 win.
Hutchinson stopped 21 shots out of 22 that came his way, earning a tough win. Hutchinson's record increased to 2-1-0 in limited playing time this season, while the Leafs themselves have been on a tear to start the season, currently sitting at 15-4-2, first in the NHL's North Division, and have won 4 of their last 5 games.
Flames forward Mikael Backlund said of the loss that "I think we played a lot better as a team, as a group, more connected, more compete, just more in sync than we were over the weekend and against Vancouver last week. I thought it was a big step for us, the way we played. In the second period, I thought we were a little disconnected, but other than that, I thought we played decent."
David Rittich, after recording a shut out against the Leafs on Monday, was the tough luck loser tonight. Rittich stopped 37 shots out of 39 that came his way during the game. Rittich's record fell to 1-3-1 this season in limited action, while the Flames sit at 9-9-2 this season, just out of a playoff spot, 5th in the North Division.
Despite his loss, Flames coach Geoff Ward was happy with Rittich's effort, saying that "When we needed the big stop, he was able to make it. Ge gave us a chance to win both hockey games. Disappointing for him the way it ended tonight, because he played so well. I thought he was quiet in the net, well focused, I thought his positioning was good, his anticipation was good, his concentration was good. There was a lot to like about his game. He's coming off two strong performances and is a guy that, traditionally, once he starts trending in that direction, he's able to maintain it."
The Maple Leafs get some extra time off, not playing until Saturday, when they travel to face the Edmonton Oilers. Frederik Andersen is slated to make the start for Toronto. The Flames don't have that luck, as they play again tonight, this time in Ottawa against the Senators. Rittich is expected to start for the Flames.
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