The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a crucial 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of their first-round Eastern Conference series, forcing a decisive seventh game. William Nylander, who returned to the lineup after missing the first three games due to an ailment, played a pivotal role by scoring both goals for the Maple Leafs. Nylander's performance was complemented by goaltender Joseph Woll, who made 22 saves and was hailed for his exceptional play.
Trailing 3-1 in the series, the Maple Leafs staged an impressive comeback, winning Game 5 in overtime and now Game 6 to level the series. The winner of the upcoming Game 7 will advance to face the Florida Panthers in the next round.
Morgan Rielly contributed with assists on both of Nylander's goals, showcasing the team effort that propelled Toronto to victory. On the other side, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 24 saves but couldn't prevent the Maple Leafs from extending the series.
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery expressed the need for improved performances from key players, specifically calling out forward David Pastrnak to elevate his game for the crucial Game 7. Pastrnak acknowledged the need to be more aggressive in his shooting approach to make a difference in the upcoming matchup.
Despite missing star center Auston Matthews for the second consecutive game, the Maple Leafs found success through Nylander's heroics. Nylander's first goal late in the second period ignited the crowd at Scotiabank Arena, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Joseph Woll made history by becoming the first goalie in NHL history to start his first four playoff games in elimination scenarios. His strong performance, combined with the team's defensive efforts, limited the Bruins' offensive opportunities and secured the crucial win for Toronto.
As the series heads to a dramatic Game 7, both teams are gearing up for a winner-takes-all showdown, with the Maple Leafs looking to complete their comeback and the Bruins aiming to advance to the next round. The stage is set for an intense and thrilling finale between these two Eastern Conference rivals.
Sources: AP NHL playoffs and AP News - NHL