In a game that had just about everything - momentum swings, highlight-reel goals, and a dramatic finish - it was Max Domi who delivered the final blow, lifting the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets. The Leafs clawed back from a two-goal deficit to snap Winnipeg’s four-game win streak and hand the Jets their first loss in five outings.
Let’s break it down.
A Fast Start from Winnipeg, but Toronto Had the Last Word
The Jets came out flying, continuing a recent trend by scoring first for the ninth consecutive game. Alex Iafallo got things rolling with a net-front deflection off a Logan Stanley point shot, notching his ninth of the season. That goal came just one second after Brandon Carlo’s penalty expired - a reminder of how thin the margins can be on special teams.
Then, just six seconds after a Nic Robertson high-sticking minor ended, Kyle Connor struck. He turned on the jets, cut hard to the net, and wired a shot high past Dennis Hildeby for his 23rd of the year - tying him with Mark Scheifele for the team lead. It was a power move from one of Winnipeg’s most consistent offensive threats.
But any momentum the Jets had built evaporated quickly. Just 23 seconds later, Auston Matthews answered back with a laser of a wrist shot to cut the lead in half. It was a classic Matthews moment - quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and a reminder of why he’s one of the most dangerous shooters in the game.
Matthews had some praise for his Olympic teammate between the pipes, calling Hellebuyck “really elite” and noting how often the Winnipeg netminder makes him shake his head in disbelief after a save. That mutual respect is just one more layer to the growing rivalry between these two clubs.
Leafs Keep Coming - and Eventually Break Through
After two periods, the shots were dead even at 17 apiece, and the Jets held a slim 2-1 lead heading into the third. Early in the final frame, Nino Niederreiter extended the cushion.
He pounced on a rebound from a Luke Schenn point shot, spun, and slapped it past Hildeby for his seventh of the season. At that point, it looked like Winnipeg might be on their way to another win.
But the Leafs didn’t flinch.
OEL (Oliver Ekman-Larsson) pulled Toronto back within one just past the six-minute mark with a point shot that found its way through traffic. And with under five minutes left in regulation, it was Bobby McMann who got the equalizer - though it was Ekman-Larsson’s shot again doing the damage. This time, it took a redirection off McMann’s stick and past Hellebuyck to make it 3-3.
The Jets had a golden chance to win it late on the power play, and Jonathan Toews came inches from sealing it, ringing a shot off the post. But that was as close as either team would get in regulation.
Overtime Belonged to Toronto
Once the puck dropped in overtime, Toronto took control. Matthews and Domi connected on a textbook 2-on-1 that ended with Domi hammering a cross-ice feed past a sprawling Hellebuyck. That goal - coming at 3:08 of OT - capped a gritty comeback and sent the Leafs home with two points.
Hellebuyck was solid despite the loss, turning away 33 of 37 shots. Hildeby stopped 27 for Toronto and earned the win in a game that tested both goaltenders with high-danger chances and a playoff-like pace.
Jets Still Trending Up, But a Lesson in Closing Games
Despite the loss, Winnipeg’s recent stretch - nine out of a possible 10 points - is nothing to scoff at. Niederreiter acknowledged that while it stings to let this one slip away, there’s still plenty to build on.
And he’s right. The Jets showed flashes of dominance, especially early, but couldn’t close it out.
Josh Morrissey echoed that sentiment, pointing out the energy in the building and the high compete level. But he also acknowledged the frustration of not finishing the job with a two-goal lead. That’s the kind of game you want to lock down - especially against a team like Toronto.
What’s Next for Winnipeg
The Jets head to Chicago for a one-off road game, where Jonathan Toews will make his return to the United Center - now wearing Winnipeg colors. That one’s going to be emotional, and it’ll be broadcast on TSN at 7:30 PM Central on Monday night.
After that, Winnipeg returns home for a busy stretch: three games in five nights (four in six if you count the Chicago trip). St. Louis, Florida, and Detroit are all set to visit Canada Life Centre, and the Jets will be looking to bounce back and reestablish their winning rhythm on home ice.
This one might sting, but it also showed what kind of fight Winnipeg has - and what kind of firepower Toronto can bring when the game is on the line.