Leafs Edge Rangers 2-1 Behind Anthony Stolarz's Strong Performance In Defensive Bout

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a defensive dual against the New York Rangers in a quiet night for both team's offenses, the Leafs getting the most out of their chances with a 1-1 win.

Matthew Knies opened the scoring for the Leafs on the power play with 8:12 left in the second period, netting his second goal of the season off a tap-in at the net off a pass from William Nylander.

Juuso Parssinen got the Rangers on the board in the third period at 15:09, getting a slap shot off through the Leafs defense. Toronto looked at the goal but decided against a coaches challenge.

For some fans at Scotiabank Arena, the most excitement came in the third period when the Toronto Blue Jays took the lead in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, a home run from Andres Gimenez putting the Jays in front 2-1 in the top of the third inning.

The home run from Gimenez, along with a running live score for updates from the Jays game across the street at the Roger's Centre, was featured on the jumbotron to reactions from Leafs fans.

William Nylander set up Auston Matthews in overtime on a 2-on-1 to beat Igor Shesterkin and take a 2-1 win in overtime for the Maple Leafs, Nylander assisting on both goals for Toronto.

Anthony Stolarz took command in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the team's win, having multiple major saves in the process for the team in their victory.

The New York Rangers faced another common issue once again that has plagued them in a few games this season, losing games despite outshooting their opponents. The Rangers lost despite a 29-24 advantage in shots on goal.

Coming into tonight's game, the Rangers have gone two games without scoring, and it took them until the third to score. With Igor Shesterkin having been the team's rock to start the year, more is needed from New York's skaters.

Shesterkin and Stolarz both showed their poise in net, keeping shots away from the net and both remaining composed. Stolarz is looking to solidify himself as a proven NHL #1 option, while Shesterkin is looking early in the year as a strong Vezina Trophy frontrunner.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will play their next game Saturday against the Seattle Kraken at 7pm EST.

The Kraken were defeated by the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in overtime, Seattle being led by a two goal performance from Chandler Stephenson, but coming up short. Seattle has a 2-0-2 record on the season.

One area of note is that Easton Cowan only played two shifts for the Leafs in the third period. With Steven Lorentz having appeared in practice following an injury suffered against Detroit, it may be the predecessor to Cowan sitting against Seattle.

Luckily for Jays and Leafs fans, the Jays have a break on Saturday from the series against the Mariners, playing Game 5 on Friday, and Game 6 on Sunday, if needed, leaving Saturday for the Leafs.