The Toronto Maple Leafs have been waiting for Nick Robertson to break out, and boy did he ever. In a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the Dallas Stars, Robertson scored the winner, capping off a two-goal performance that will be remembered for a long time.
The Leafs’ bench erupts in celebration after Nick Robertson’s overtime winner
It’s been a long time coming for Robertson, who made his NHL debut in the 2019-20 postseason at just 18 years old. Since then, he’s been trying to cement a full-time role in the NHL, with some dominating performances in the AHL and a few unfruitful call-ups to the Leafs. But on Thursday night, he finally had his statement game.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Robertson said in a post-game interview. “To have my parents in the stands and my brother on the opposing bench, it was just an incredible feeling.”
Robertson’s heroics were all the more impressive given the drama that unfolded earlier in the game. With the Leafs holding on to a one-goal lead, Stars centre Tyler Seguin scored the equalizer, but the referee on the ice immediately waved off the goal, citing incidental contact with Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov. However, after a lengthy review, the officials reversed the call, determining that Mitch Marner had caused the contact with Samsonov, and the goal was allowed to stand.
Tyler Seguin’s goal was allowed to stand after a lengthy review
It was the second time in as many games that the Leafs had a video review go against them. In Monday’s controversial loss to the Arizona Coyotes, the Leafs had a last-minute goal called off after Morgan Rielly’s play to keep the puck in at the blue line was deemed a hand pass.
Despite the setback, Robertson’s overtime winner was the perfect response, and the Leafs’ bench erupted in celebration as he scored the winner.
Nick Robertson celebrates his overtime winner
“It was an incredible feeling,” Robertson said. “I’m just glad I could help the team get the win.”
The Leafs will be hoping that Robertson’s breakout performance is a sign of things to come. With his confidence soaring, he could be the spark that ignites the Leafs’ offense.
The Leafs celebrate their 3-2 overtime win over the Stars
