Historic night for 3 Leafs players leads to thrilling OT victory
William Nylander sent Leaf fans home happy last night after scoring a highlight reel overtime winner just over a minute into the extra frame. It was his 33rd goal of the season, but it was also his 9th overtime winner. His game-winning goal tied him for second all-time in overtime goals for a Leaf with Auston Matthews, just 5 behind the current record holder Mats Sundin.
Last night wasn't just about Nylander though, as two other Leafs etched their names in the record books as well. First, Mark Giordano tied his former teammate Kris Russell for most blocked shots in NHL history with 2,044 thanks to a trio of blocks in the first and second period.
Thanks to Nylander's heroics, Ilya Samsonov also tied the record for most home wins with a new team through the first 20 home games with 17. Not only did Samsonov tie that record, but he also set a Leaf record for most wins in a goalie's first 30 appearances with 21 - surpassing the likes of George Hainsworth, Turk Broda, Frederik Andersen and Jack Campbell.
Samsonov won't be able to set anymore home records for a while as the Leafs embark on a five game road-trip out West, but Nylander could add to his overtime game-winner total and Giordano will surely pass Russell for most blocked shots on Sunday in Seattle.
