Maple Leafs Hold On For Victory Over Wild After Matthews Injury

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Bo Groulx scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs held on for a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night.

Key Performances Drive Maple Leafs to Win

Morgan Rielly also scored and Matthew Knies added an empty-net goal for Toronto. Anthony Stolarz made 36 saves in the win.

Wild Fall Short Despite Tarasenko’s Two Goals

Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves.

Maple Leafs Navigate Life Without Captain

The Maple Leafs have a win and a shootout loss in two games since losing captain Auston Matthews for the season with a knee injury.

Game Recap: Second Period Surge

After a scoreless first period, Toronto quickly took control in the second. Rielly scored on a wrist shot at 1:07, and Groulx followed up 68 seconds later with a tip-in. Groulx extended the lead to 3-0 at 8:18 of the second, intercepting a clearing attempt and firing a shot through traffic.

Wild Attempt Comeback in Third Period

Early in the third, Tarasenko scored twice in 23 seconds to narrow the gap. He redirected a pass from Mats Zuccarello at 4:51, then won a battle along the boards and beat Stolarz with a wrist shot. Both goals were also assisted by Ryan Hartman.

Stolarz Stands Tall, Knies Seals the Victory

Minnesota pressed for the equalizer, putting 17 shots on net in the third, but Stolarz held firm. Knies’ empty-net goal with 37 seconds remaining secured the 4-2 victory for Toronto.

Looking Ahead

• Maple Leafs: Host the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
• Wild: Visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Recent Guerin Comments Spark Trade Speculation

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin recently spoke highly of Auston Matthews, stating I’ve gotten to know Auston over the last couple of years and I think the world of him. I think he’s one of the best two-way guys in the game. Hockey Patrol. This has led to speculation about a potential trade for the Toronto captain.

Matthews Injury Confirmed

The Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed Friday that captain Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season with a Grade 3 MCL tear and quad contusion.

The Maple Leafs demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, securing a crucial win despite the absence of their captain. Stolarz’s strong performance in net proved pivotal, and the team’s ability to respond after the Wild’s third-period push highlights their depth and determination.