The Maple Leafs twice took a two-goal lead against the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Friday night, but still lost 6-5 in overtime.
In an offensive game, Johnny Gaudreau found himself alone in front of Ilya Samsonov in overtime before scoring the winning goal with a backhand shot. It was the small forward's seventh win this season. Gaudreau also finished the game with a goal and two assists.
“It's special to give my team a win at home,” said the main player after the game. We had a slow start but we came back. We had the talent for it. We just sent pucks to the net and [Adam Fantilli a marqué un gros but [pour créer l’égalité en troisième] with great individual achievement.”
“He’s really fast and has a good shot,” Gaudreau added. He’s fun to play with.”
The performance of the guests' big guns was not enough. Mitch Marner, Auston Mathews and William Nylander all finished the game with a goal and an assist.
Defender Morgan Rielly was involved in three of his team's goals, two of which came on the power play.
Samsonov had a tough game as his team gave the Jackets several good chances. He gave up six times in 21 shots.
The Maple Leafs return to Toronto on Saturday evening where they will receive a visit from the Carolina Hurricanes.