Robertson scored his 14th goal at 9:04 of the second period, trailing 4-1 after an ugly first 20 minutes, before Kane received a double minor for high-sticking.
That set up Matthews, who hit the post in the first, to shoot No. 69 past Reimer before punching the air at 10:23 inside a roaring Scotiabank Arena.
The sniper nearly scored his 70th goal moments later on a break, but Reimer closed his pads at the last second.
The Leafs drew even at 17:22 with Tavares’ 26th goal, erasing a three-goal deficit in just over eight minutes on Reimer, who was selected by Toronto in 2006 and played for the Leafs from 2010 to 2016.
Marner started the score with a power play.
Matthews, who has scored 10 times in his last eight games, is looking to become the first to player to hit 70 goals in a season in more than 30 years after equalling Mario Lemieux’s total of 69 from 1995-96.
Detroit entered play a point back of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second and final wild-card berth in the East, while Toronto’s loss locks the Leafs into the Atlantic Division’s No. 3 spot with two road games left on their schedule.
Matthews had a couple of more chances on a late power play. Samsonov then had to stand tall on a Detroit man advantage late in regulation.
The crowd’s anticipation grew every time Matthews touched the puck in search of No. 70 with the score tied 4-4 before Samsonov, who had a rough opening 20 minutes, stopped Lucas Raymond in close with nine minu
tes le
Alex DeBrincat scored two of his own for Detroit (39-32-9), which led 4-1 after the first period. David Perron, with a goal and an assist, and Simon Edvinsson provided the rest of the offence. Former Leafs goaltender James Reimer made 32 saves in his 500th game and J.T. Compher had two assists.
Larkin redirected a Patrick Kane shot in the extra period with Max Domi off for high-sticking.
Mitch Marner, with a go
ft in regulation.
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