In a heart-stopping Game 7 showdown, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Boston Bruins in overtime, with a final score of 2-1. David Pastrnak emerged as the hero for Boston, scoring the game-winning goal at 1:54 of overtime, sending the Bruins to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Hampus Lindholm played a crucial role for the Bruins, scoring in regulation and assisting on the winning goal. The victory was especially sweet for Boston, as they had nearly squandered a 3-1 series lead, reminiscent of their loss to the Florida Panthers at the same stage of the post-season last year.
The Leafs fought valiantly, with William Nylander scoring their lone goal in the third period. Despite a strong comeback effort and the return of star player Auston Matthews, Toronto fell short in the end.
Ilya Samsonov stood tall in net for the Leafs, making 29 saves after Joseph Woll was sidelined with an injury in the previous game. Matthews, who had been battling illness, returned to the lineup but could not prevent the Bruins from clinching the series.
With this victory, the Bruins advance to face the well-rested Panthers in the second round, starting in South Florida on Monday. The thrilling Game 7 matchup between the Original Six rivals will surely be remembered as a classic in NHL playoff history.