Leafs Catch a Huge Break as Refs Help on Game-Winning Short-Handed Goal

Given the Toronto Maple Leafs needed a big win against the Colorado Avalanche, they will take as much help as possible. Whether it be a video review gone their way, or a complete team effort; the only goal was to win.

So in a turn of events that normally sees the Maple Leafs on the other side of things, they got some help this time from the officials.

As the Maple Leafs cleared the puck, it hit the official after he had slipped and took a tumble on the ice.

The ensuing chaos led to Steven Lorentz to pick the puck up and skate into the offensive zone and snap a shot past goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.

The short-handed tally gave Toronto the lead which they were able to hold onto and come out with a 2-1 victory.

It was a staunch defensive performance in a big turnaround for a team who had given up at least three goals over a week and a half, to only allowing three over their last two games.

It gave Lorentz his sixth goal and 15th point this season, which puts him only four points off from tying his career-high.

Toronto was also helped out by captain Auston Matthews, who kicked off the scoring with Mitch Marner and John Tavares helping out as they scored yet another power play goal.

Colorado answered back with a power play goal of their own from Valeri Nichushkin, who scored his third goal of the season after being activated from the NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Joseph Woll was outstanding, making 38 saves against a relentless Avalanche team, who peppered him with shots, but he kept his cool; and kept his ability to perform under pressure too.

Mackenzie Blackwood also played very well though was on the receiving end of the loss, making 24 saves for the Avs.

The win helped Toronto (41-24-3) tie the Panthers for first in the Atlantic Division with 85 points. They take on the New York Rangers (33-30-6) on Thursday night in the second leg of a back to back.

Colorado (41-25-3) faces off against the Montreal Canadiens (33-27-7) on Saturday night as they look to rebound off their loss.

Safe to say for the Maple Leafs, the refs helped them seal the deal, which is a nice relief from the usual officiating that comes with the team.