Red Wings top Leafs in overtime

TORONTO — Auston Matthews moved closer to a milestone that has gone untouched for more than 30 years. Dylan Larkin and his teammates are fine with that — they secured two priceless points in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Red Wings captain scored on a power play 41 seconds into overtime Saturday as Detroit topped Toronto 5-4 despite Matthews bagging his jaw-dropping 69th goal of the season.

The Maple Leafs sniper scored in the second period as part of a comeback that saw the home side erase a 4-1 deficit. Every time Matthews touched the puck from there, the sense of anticipation rose inside a bubbling Scotiabank Arena.

“My approach every game, every night is the same,” he said. “I just try not to really overthink.”

Matthews, who has scored 10 times in his past eight games to equal Mario Lemieux’s total of 69 in 1995-96, is looking to become the first player to hit 70 goals in a campaign since Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny both reached 76 in 1992-93.

Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe said he got caught up in the moment after Matthews scored the Leafs’ third goal and sat just shy of 70.

“Major distraction,” he said. “It doesn’t help us in what we’re trying to accomplish on the ice. But it’s exciting. I get it.”

Alex DeBrincat, with two, David Perron, with a goal and an assist, and Simon Edvinsson provided the rest of the offence for Detroit (39-32-9). Reimer made 32 saves in his 500th game. Patrick Kane and J.T. Compher both had two assists.

“It’s special,” said Reimer, who was drafted by the Leafs in 2006 and spent six seasons in Toronto. “Proud of the guys.”

Larkin, who also had an assist, redirected Kane’s shot in the extra period with Max Domi off for tripping.

“One of the biggest of my career,” Larkin said following his 33rd goal of 2023-24.