Leafs prevail, force Game 7
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs won this one for their city.
Frederik Andersen made 32 saves Monday as the Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1 to tie their first-round playoff series 3-3 and force Game 7.
The victory came hours after 10 people were killed when a van mounted a sidewalk in Toronto’s north end and struck multiple pedestrians in what was described as a “horrific attack.”
“Changes the new normal in a family’s life forever: no mom, no dad, no brother, no sister,” Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said. “We’re lucky to live in such a fantastic city, great first responders and the work they’ve done. And it’s so important that we rally around these people, help them, do everything we can. We have a fantastic city and we can’t let this get in the way of what we’ve got going. Tragedy, to say the least.
“It was our job to do what we could to do our job here tonight . . . you’re just out there enjoying a beautiful day in Toronto. Senseless.”
Most of the players woke from their pre-game naps to learn of the incident at 1:30 p.m. local time that also injured 15 people.
“We’re sending all our love,” said Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who scored the winning goal and added an assist. “It’s happening too often now, these things. It sucks. This world’s made for loving each other and making each other better.
“This is a big win for us after an emotional day.”
There was a moment of silence for the victims and their families prior the opening faceoff at Air Canada Centre.
William Nylander and Tomas Plekanec, into an empty net, also scored for the Leafs, who trailed the Eastern Conference quarterfinal 3-1 before winning two straight. Nikita Zaitsev had two assists, while Plekanec added one of his own.
Jake DeBrusk replied for the Bruins. Tuukka Rask stopped 27 shots after getting pulled in Game 5 at TD Garden.
The winner of Wednesday’s Game 7 in Boston will meet the Tampa Bay Lightning in the next round.