"It was from everybody, the coach, players. Everything from effort to the energy and execution just wasn't good enough in the first two periods," Matthews said. "It showed in the scoreboard, showed in the shots, showed in the chances, I'm sure in everything. They're a good team over there, but I think you get one and see what happens. We're able to roll over a couple of shifts and get some good opportunities. Next thing you know, momentum changes, atmosphere and the stands change."
"It was evident from the start of the final frame that Matthews played like a man possessed, trying to help will his team back from the dead. He was authoritative in the offensive zone by generating plenty of scoring chances, and he was hard on the puck carriers in the defensive end as noted by his play along the wall to get the puck out during a penalty kill that drew some applause."
The Toronto Maple Leafs trailed 3-0 after two lifeless periods in which they were outshot 25-8. A passionate, team-wide call to action during the second intermission sparked a dramatic third-period turnaround. Auston Matthews started the comeback with a breakaway goal, and three goals in a little over three minutes tied the game before Bobby McMann scored a late winner. Matthews drove the momentum with authoritative offensive play and defensive engagement, while Anthony Stolarz made key saves, Nick Robertson generated sustained zone time, and William Nylander, returning to the lineup, scored twice.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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