Toronto completed its season series with the Wild, as they headed to Minnesota. The last game with the Wild saw Toronto get badly outchanced, Minnesota call on Josh Harding from the bench, and the Leafs pulling out a win. The return trip saw the first two parts the same, but Toronto weren't able to finish off the third, blowing a late lead and falling in the shootout, despite some excellent penalty killing.
The first period was a relatively even contest, with both sides having some powerplay opportunites, but not generating a lot at even strength. After that, though, the ice started to tilt Minnesota's way. They dominated the second at even strength, and Toronto was extraordinarily fortunate to have the lead after two periods.
The third period was again a struggle; with Minnesota generating some early chances on the powerplay, then getting a 5-minute stretch of man-advantage when Nazem Kadri was ejected. Toronto's PK was excellent for that time, allowing just one chance in the five minutes, but the Leafs gave up a goal in the last five minutes, Kessel giving the puck away, then having it deflect in off his skate. Minnesota looked like they might seize the win, generating a lot of pressure in the closing minutes, but Toronto held on for overtime. The Leafs have been good in extra sessions this year, and that didn't change in this game, as they came close through Rielly before losing out in the shootout.
Toronto's abysmal second period left them well behind in ES chances, while the amount of penalties they took helped to boost Minnesota's overall advantage.
A summary of the scoring chances:
| Status |
Overall |
ES |
| Team |
Toronto |
Minnesota |
Toronto |
Minnesota |
| 1 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
| 2 |
4 |
10 |
2 |
8 |
| 3 |
3 |
11 |
3 |
6 |
| 4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| Total |
14 |
26 |
9 |
17 |
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The Leafs played one of their worst game of the season thus far, but managed to win it nonetheless. Toronto generated just two chances in the first period, but both ended up in the Minnesota net, Bozak finishing a nice passing play and Smith putting one through Kuemper's five-hole after a nice pass from Rielly.
Toronto's second period was similarily rough, as they did not generate an even strength chance. However, they extended the lead after Raymond added a powerplay goal. With the lead, Toronto sat back and defended from further Minnesota attack.
The third period saw Minnesota generate seven chances, while Toronto again struggled, getting just two, but excellent play from Reimer kept the lead intact, and staked Toronto to another victory.
The three even strength chances Toronto generated were easily their lowest of the season. They tied their worst period in the first with just one, then "bettered" it in the second with no chances at even strength at all. Eleven against is one of their better totals, but after four straight games of at least being even in differential at even strength, this is a big beatdown.
A summary of the scoring chances:
| Status |
Overall |
ES |
| Team |
Toronto |
Minnesota |
Toronto |
Minnesota |
| 1 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
| 2 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
| 3 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
7 |
| Total |
7 |
18 |
3 |
11 |
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