Simon Benoit Speaks Out After Scoring the Biggest Goal of His Career

Going into overtime for the second straight game, the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs had yet another spirited and intense matchup, and while the Leafs couldn't keep the lead initially, they were able to sneak away with the victory thanks to one unlikely hero.

You would think it would be someone like Mitch Marner, or John Tavares to be the one to seal the deal, perhaps it was Max Pacioretty who making his debut. But nobody expected it to be Simon Benoit.

That's right, the rugged, rough and tumble defender sealed the deal with a slap shot that beat Linus Ullmark over his shoulder and giving the Maple Leafs a commanding 3-0 series lead.

When asked afterward about arguably the most important goal of his career, Benoit explained that the goal was definitely up there in terms of biggest, and made a slight joke at his own expense:

Speaking after the game with Sportsnet reporter and NHL analyst Kyle Bukauskas, Benoit also admitted that he's having a blast with how things have turned out:

It was certainly a game to remember for the defender, and he had arguably his best game of not only this season, but potentially his career.

Scoring the goal, blocking two shots, adding three hits and a plus-1, his two blocks game within the dying seconds of the third period when Ottawa was pressuring the Maple Leafs the most.

Craig Berube was certainly impressed with the performance, and admitted that it wouldn't be long before Benoit made an impact:

Benoit has had a very solid playoffs so far. He has two points (1G, 1A), seven blocks, and 10 hits in three games.

It's a great sign that Benoit is not only prepared for what's coming at him, but that he's thriving in this environment, and for a player who had a lot of questions surrounding his placement, you can't argue with the results so far.

Which can only mean good things going forward for Toronto, and may help make Ottawa's season end a bit sooner.