Bluger wins all faceoffs as Toronto beats Nashville in overtime

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime at home, earning their second win in four games this season. Auston Matthews scored the winner 14 seconds before the end of overtime, converting a rebound off a shot by William Nylander.

Bluger's performance

Latvian forward Teodors Bluger took 13 shifts and played 9 minutes 53 seconds. He won all three faceoffs, had one shot on goal and delivered one hit. He recorded no points and no penalty minutes, and finished with a plus-minus of −1.

How the game unfolded

Nashville led 3-0 early in the second period, with two goals from Nils Hoglander and one from Steven Stamkos. John Tavares and Nylander cut the gap, but Stamkos scored again to restore a two-goal lead for the visitors. Gavin McKenna made it 4-3, and in the third period Jacob Roslovic tied the game. A further Nylander goal was disallowed after a review requested by Nashville.

McKenna, this year's first overall draft pick, scored his first NHL goal and earned his first assist, setting up Tavares. He had gone without a point in his first three games. Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz stopped 21 shots, while Juuse Saros made 33 saves for Nashville. All four of Toronto's games this season have been decided by one goal.

Matthews' milestones

Matthews scored the 15th overtime goal of his NHL career, passing Mats Sundin and moving into second place in Maple Leafs history. Nylander holds the club record with 16. Matthews also added three assists and played the 18th four-point game of his career.

Four players who were first overall draft picks scored in the game: McKenna (2026), Matthews (2016), Tavares (2009) and Stamkos (2008). It was only the fourth such game in NHL history.