Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom appeared to have scored the opening goal of the game at 4:14 of the first period until the Maple Leafs challenged for goaltender interference after much deliberation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1 at Capital One Arena on Tuesday but the first period may have been the visiting team's worst of the season.

The Leafs were outshot 16-5 after 20 minutes as Washington had an 87 percent expected goals rating at even strength according to NaturalStatTrick.com. In addition to Joseph Woll performing well in goal for the Leafs, the game could have swung in favour had Capitals' forward Nicklas Backstrom's goal at 4:14 stood up.

When Backstrom's shot beat Woll, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin appeared to barrel over the goaltender. When referee Frederick L'Ecuyer skated over to Keefe to ask if he was going to challenge the play, there was no decision. Instead, the Leafs called a timeout. That bought them an additional 30 seconds before eventually electing to challenge the play for goaltender interference.

Upon review, it was determined that Ovechkin did in fact impede Woll's ability to make the save and the game remained 0-0.

"I needed some time to process it, some of our communication with our video coaches, and it was just that there was some uncertainty," Keefe explained of the initial timeout. "It wasn't really about getting another view or anything like that was more just a little more time to process it all."

So what sold the Maple Leafs head coach to finally go ahead and challenge it?

"Our video guys felt strongly that it was (goaltender interference)," Keefe said. "They needed some time to convince me because I've seen a lot of those go the other way. But credit to them and to our process in terms of the time out and taking some time to breathe. It's a pretty stressful situation."

Just under nine minutes later, Morgan Rielly scored to give the Leafs a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

"It’s a big moment in the game because it’s a chance to regroup after that and then ultimately we score first," Keefe said.

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