Leafs Score Late To Topple Rangers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have proven a few things a dozen games into the 2026-27 season. Thing one: no lead is safe with this club, because their blueline is overmatched on most nights and some of their top six forwards have no interest in playing at one end of the ice. Thing two: they have displayed an ability to outscore those flaws.

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The Leafs, in a back-and-forth contest with the surprising New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, blew three leads, including a one-goal lead late in the third period, but were able to extend their winning streak to three with a 5-4 victory on a goal by Troy Stecher with 28 seconds left. Unlike most of their game in the first month of the season, Toronto got significant contributions from their fourth line and the game-winning goal from the veteran righty, who had three goals last season.

The unit of Teddy Blueger, Brandon Duhaime, and Zack MacEwen combined for two goals and seven points on the night. Easton Cowan and Kirill Marchenko also scored, but Toronto could not hold on to a precarious one-goal lead in the third, as Alexei Lafreniere tied the game 4-4 with 4:35. The Leafs appeared headed to overtime, but on a delayed penalty call in the final minute, Morgan Rielly fed his defense partner, and after closing in on Rangers goalie Dylan Garand, Stecher beat him top shelf to put Toronto up for good.

“Everybody always loves it when those guys get rewarded with goals and points because they do the dirty work. They’re blocking shots, getting all the forechecks going. That’s what makes the night extra special.” Leafs head Coach Jim Hiller said of the fourth line after the game. “Then you’ve got a guy like Troy Stecher, who you can throw in that mix, too, who just quietly gives you everything he can. Then he gets to score a big goal in a moment like that.”

Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves for his third victory of the season, moving the Leafs to 6-4-2 on the season, and into an Eastern Conference playoff spot prior to heading out on their second Western road swing of the month, starting against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

Depleted Leafs Defense

The Leafs dodged a bullet, as defenseman Jake McCabe returned to the lineup after taking a stick to the eye area in Columbus on Tuesday, but the club had to play most of the third period with five defensemen after Nick Blankenburg was slammed into the boards and did not return. The news is not great in terms of the Blueline depth, as Marshall Rifai was placed on injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury against the Blue Jackets.

Depending on Blankenburg’s status, the Leafs are likely to recall either one or two blueliners from the AHL Marlies. Based on NHL experience, one could be veterans Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers; if it is based on potential or merit, 2024 first-rounder Ben Danford or Noah Chadwick could get the call. The Leafs are expected to make a roster move before leaving for Alberta on Friday.