Leafs earn 3-2 regulation win with final 10-minute surge

When the clock hit 0.0 at the end of the third period, Chicago’s bench was likely awestruck. It’s a game of 60 minutes and the Blackhawks had outplayed the Leafs in Toronto for 50 minutes.

It’s that final 10 that often turns the game, though.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, down 2-0 after a rough first period, got a great point shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson at 9:59 of the third. It whizzed by everyone, including Chicago’s goalie Spencer Knight. The point shot unironically gave the Leafs a shot at winning the game.

The goal scored just before the midway point of the third period Tuesday night proved a catalyst for the Leafs. Looking to build momentum with the hard-fought (and uncharacteristically rare) December wins, Toronto got a glimpse of vintage Auston Matthews.

Can we call it vintage if he’s still technically supposed to be in his prime? Sweet shot, regardless. That’s the Matthews Leafs fans need to see more of.

Eight seconds after Matthews tied it with his 14th goal of the season, Dakota Joshua flew in on a half-breakaway. He got a half step on his defender, more than enough to direct the puck past Knight’s left pad and give the Leafs a 3-2 lead.

Before Matthews’ goal, time was running out. After he scored, it was a new game.

And cue Dakota Joshua’s heroics.

Despite all their issues so far this season - consistency chief among them - games like Tuesday’s remind me that this team’s depth can show up.

Hopefully the consistency comes next. The Leafs head to D.C. to take on Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals tomorrow night.