TORONTO — Dylan Larkin scored on a power play 41 seconds into overtime, and the Detroit Red Wings defeated Toronto 5-4 on Saturday to gain two critical points in the Eastern Conference playoff race, despite Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews’ 69th goal of the season.
Alex DeBrincat added two goals for Detroit (39-32-9), which led 4-1 after the first period. The remaining offense came from David Perron, who scored and assisted, and Simon Edvinsson. Former Leafs goaltender James Reimer made 32 saves in his 500th game, while J.T. Compher contributed two assists.
During the extra period, Larkin redirected a Patrick Kane shot after Max Domi was sent off for high-sticking.
Mitch Marner has a goal and two assists, while John TavaresMatthews, who has ten goals in his previous eight games, is attempting to become the first player to score 70 goals in a season in more than 30 years, having equaled Mario Lemieux’s total of 69 in 1995-96.
Detroit entered play one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the East’s second and last wild-card slot, while Toronto’s setback keeps the Leafs in third place in the Atlantic Division with two road games remaining.
Matthews had a few more opportunities on a late power play. Samsonov then had to hold tall with a Detroit man advantage late in regulation.
The crowd’s excitement heightened every time Matthews touched the puck in search of No. 70 with the score.
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