Nylander scored two of three goals in the second, and Marner added a shorthanded goal in the third, but the Canucks' two power-play goals in the third got them the win.
Nylander scored two of three goals in the second, and Marner added a shorthanded goal in the third, but the Canucks' two power-play goals in the third got them the win.
A wild game was expected, and a wild game we got.
Toronto, once again, in two straight games, erases a comeback. However, on Saturday night, they were on the losing side of it.
Three goals in the second period and one shorthanded tally in the third should have given the Maple Leafs life. You could argue that it did, but the league-leading Vancouver Canucks gave their everything against the Maple Leafs.
A big start for Toronto was needed against the Canucks, but Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe did not get that in the first period.
Several defensive blunders resulted in the Maple Leafs pulling the puck out of their net three times in the opening frame. Nils Hoglander had two goals in 2:54 before Conor Garland got in on the action.
Whether it was getting the puck out of their zone or defensive coverage, the Maple Leafs severely struggled in the first period. You could also say Toronto could've used a save from Martin Jones on a couple of these goals, and I would agree.
But when the second period rolled around, it was a different game. And in the wise words of The Office's Michael Scott: "How the turntables."
The Maple Leafs had pressure on Vancouver throughout most of the second period outshooting the Canucks 18-6, but early, it was William Nylander who helped change the game for Toronto.
His first goal was a weak point shot that stunned Thatcher Demko as it flew by his glove.
Tyler Myers took away Demko's eyes, resulting in an easy goal for the 27-year-old. It was Nylander's 22nd goal of the season and 199th of his career.
And the Maple Leafs didn't stop there.
No, next it was Jake McCabe, finishing off a tic-tac-toe play. It began with Auston Matthews finding Mitch Marner, and he made an incredible pass which landed on McCabe's stick for his third goal of the season.
You have to give credit where credit is due, and Matthews, on this play, baited Demko with the possible one-timer, allowing McCabe to have the easy tap-in once Marner found him with the pass.
Not even one minute later, another goal scored by Toronto leaves Demko stunned.
Nylander comes down the right wing and throws the puck at the net. Luckily for him, it deflects off Carson Soucy's stick and in behind Demko.
Nylander's second goal of the game is his 23rd of the season and the 200th of his NHL career. He puts two into the back of the net to help tie the game at three for the Maple Leafs, who scored three goals in just 3:26.
However, one minute before Toronto can go to the dressing room smiling, the Canucks continue their scoring. And again, it came off the stick of a player who's already scored in the game.
After the Maple Leafs struggle to get the puck out of their zone, Garland pushes through and beats Martin Jones for his second of the evening, putting the Canucks up 4-3 late in the second period.
Early in the third period, TJ Brodie would take a tripping penalty, and you'd think another goal is coming for Vancouver. But no, the tables turn again in Toronto's favor.
Marner steals the puck after Garland bobbles it, and he beats Demko for the shorthanded tally and game-tying goal.
That's Marner's 20th goal of the season, giving him the sixth 20-goal season of his career.
Watching the game, it looked like a weight was lifted off their shoulders when they tied it for the second time. However, penalty troubles for the Maple Leafs would continue to add pressure to the team.
First, it's Max Domi who takes a cross-checking penalty. Vancouver would find the back of the net on that, courtesy of J.T. Miller using his skate to redirect the puck into the net.
Then, after a Mark Giordano cross-checking penalty, which was a tough one to take, the Canucks find the back of the net again. Miller finds Elias Pettersson in front, and he puts home the goal that puts Vancouver up 6-4 in the third period.
Toronto pushed and pushed in the final minutes, but Demko made every save needed, giving the Canucks the 6-4 win in what was a rollercoaster of a game.
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