The Toronto Maple Leafs now hold a 3-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators, and it’s all thanks to an unlikely hero.

Simon Benoit called game Thursday night, scoring his first-ever playoff goal as Toronto beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime for a second consecutive game. With only six career NHL goals heading into this contest, it’s hard to imagine anyone could have seen it coming. Speaking after Thursday night’s game, head coach Craig Berube said it’s exciting to see the Laval native come in clutch.

“It’s always great when a guy like that scores a goal, a big goal like that,” Berube said. “Benny’s played extremely well for us defensively and been hard to play against, so it’s nice when guys like that are rewarded with a big goal. Very happy for him.”

Since going pro in 2018, the undrafted defenceman has bounced between the AHL and the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks and Maple Leafs organizations. After signing a three-year contract extension in Toronto last year, he has managed to hold his place on Toronto’s roster this season, despite a few missteps along the way.

“I think all types of players go through ups and downs throughout the season, I know that Benny is the same,” Berube said. “We used other D at times, he missed a game here and there, but he was always positive about it, kept working on his game. I think Benny has made some huge strides this year … he’s jumping up into play more, skating the puck out of our zone more, he’s more confident with the puck.”

Benoit’s effort saved the day in the end for the Leafs, but it was another tumultuous ride to get there. Ottawa took the lead early in the second on the power play, then Toronto responded with a man advantage marker of their own. Captain Auston Matthews gave the Leafs the 2-1 margin 30 seconds into the third, but Senators captain Brady Tkachuk found the back of the net later in the period to tie it up. With some pacing issues through the first two periods, Berube spoke about how he saw the team come together in the third, despite Tkachuk’s unfortunate goal.

“Third period was really good,” Berube said. “We gave up two shots in the third period … puck battles and our smothering forecheck, I thought we did a good job of that, I really liked that third period a lot.”

Taking their most penalties of the series so far, Toronto still managed to hold off Ottawa’s power play on every effort except their 5-on-3, as special teams continued to be a strong part of their game.

“Overall the kill has been good,” Berube said. “The kill is all about puck pressure, reads, shot blocking, and the goalie making saves; that’s what penalty killing is all about.”

After another thrilling overtime win, Berube will now have to steady his squad as they chase that crucial second-round berth. Game 4 is set for Saturday night at the Canadian Tire Centre.