In a thrilling overtime finish, Max Domi found the back of the net just 3:08 into the extra period, teaming up with Auston Matthews to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. This win was particularly significant as it snapped the Jets' impressive four-game winning streak.
Not only did Domi score the decisive goal, but he also contributed an assist during the match. Matthews, who continues to demonstrate his prolific scoring ability, netted his 24th goal of the season. Meanwhile, Oliver Ekman-Larsson had a standout performance with one goal and two assists, further highlighting his impact on the ice. Bobby McMann also added to the scoreboard for the Leafs, marking his 15th goal of the season, while defenseman Morgan Rielly provided two assists to bolster the team's offensive efforts.
In goal for Toronto, Dennis Hildeby was solid between the pipes, making 27 saves and helping the team finish their four-game road trip with a respectable 2-1-1 record.
On the other side, the Jets, playing to a packed crowd at Canada Life Centre, saw their four-game winning streak come to an abrupt end. Alex Iafallo, Kyle Connor, and Nino Niederreiter each scored for Winnipeg, with Connor Hellebuyck stopping 33 shots in a valiant effort.
The game took a dramatic turn when Winnipeg held a 3-1 advantage early in the third period. However, McMann's timely goal with just 4:27 remaining in regulation brought the game level, showcasing the resilience of the Maple Leafs.
Interestingly, the first period passed without any goals, though the Jets came close to scoring. Kyle Connor’s shot struck the post, and the resulting rebound was thwarted by Hildeby, preserving the scoreless tie. The second period finally saw action when Iafallo redirected a shot from Logan Stanley into the net, putting the Jets ahead 1-0 at 2:23.
Just moments after another Toronto penalty expired, Connor extended the lead to 2-0 with his 23rd goal of the season, but Matthews quickly countered, narrowing the gap to just one goal less than a minute later.
Niederreiter then broke a lengthy goal drought by firing a shot past Hildeby, increasing the Jets' lead to 3-1 early in the third. However, the Maple Leafs weren't finished; Ekman-Larsson capitalized on a defensive lapse to pull Toronto back into contention before McMann’s tip-in tied the game at 15:33.
Winnipeg had a chance to regain the lead when they received a power play with just over three minutes left, but a shot from Jonathan Toews hit the crossbar, leaving the score even as time wound down.
Key Takeaways:
For the Jets: They have established a new franchise record by scoring the opening goal in nine consecutive games, although their record in those matches stands at 4-4-1. Gabriel Vilardi, who assisted on Connor’s goal, extended his scoring streak to five games, which includes two goals and five assists.
For the Maple Leafs: Toronto has secured at least a point in 12 of their last 13 contests, with Matthews contributing significantly with six points over his last five outings. Notably, this game marked Domi’s 200th appearance for the Maple Leafs, while William Nylander sat out due to a lower-body injury.
Key Moment:
McMann’s crucial tip of an Ekman-Larsson shot that resulted in the tying goal was pivotal, showcasing not just skill but teamwork at its finest.
Key Stat:
The Winnipeg Jets have now lost their last four home games against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with their last victory at Canada Life Centre occurring on December 5, 2021.
Up Next:
The Maple Leafs will host the Minnesota Wild on Monday, while the Jets are set to visit the Chicago Blackhawks the same day.
This report was originally published by The Canadian Press on January 17, 2026.
