It felt like it was going to be one of “those games”, didn’t it?

Much to our delight, the Leafs pulled out a 3-2 shootout victory for the second time in as many games, with Tyler Bozak scoring the winning goal in the skills competition after tying things up in regulation.

The first period was short on goals, but certainly not on entertainment. Despite a slow start, both teams ultimately wound up flying, with great chances at both ends.

Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov both had a couple of pretty decent looks, stretch passes were abounding as the Leafs attempted to capitalize on the Canucks’ aggressive forecheck.

Brock Boeser looked dangerous for the Canucks, in search of his 22nd goal of the season and lurking near the offensive zone at all times.

Ultimately, however, it was a scoreless period, with Vancouver outshooting Toronto 10-9.

The Canucks would open the scoring early here.

Unsurprisingly, it was Brock Boeser who opened things up. After a great play to keep the puck in the zone, the puck would go to Tomas Vanek, who dished it back to Boeser. A lightning-fast release from Boeser was enough to beat Freddie Andersen and put the Canucks up 1-0.

Later in the period, things got a little interesting:

At first, it would appear that the Leafs had tied the game off of a terrible flub by Jakob Markstrom. However, further review would determine that the puck did not re-enter the zone on a controlled possession by the Canucks, and was therefore offside. Boo. Still 1-0.

The Leafs would have a couple of Power Plays in the period, but were unable to get much going. Unless you count misses on golden opportunities by the usual suspects:

Why, Bozie, why? Don’t you want to improve your stock so we can ship you off and reunite you with your pal Phil?

Still 1-0 Canucks after two.

Good safe pros in the box!

On the ensuing 5-on-3, Sam Gagner nets his 7th of the season to make it 2-0. Because of course that’s how tonight was going to go.

But perhaps all hope was not lost –

With Auston Matthews streaking down the ice, noted playmaker Zach Hyman dishes the puck to Papi, who pots his 19th of the season to cut Vancouver’s lead in half.

And just over four minutes later:

Young Tyler Bozak makes me eat words, notching his 8th of the season to tie things up at 2-2. Travis Dermott also collected an assist on the goal; the first point of his young NHL career in his very first game.

After a few frantic moments in the final minute of the period, the Leafs would leave the third unscathed, and we’d go to overtime.

Early in the overtime frame, the goal light goes on, but the puck stays out on further review. Leafs fans breath a collective sigh of relief.

Brock Boeser would go to the box, but the Leafs were unable to convert on the ensuing Power Play. Erik Gudbranson had a great chance to win it shorthanded, but a great play by Morgan Rielly stymied the opportunity, as he got back just in time to break up the play.

Overtime would solve nothing. Off to the shootout we go.

Once again, I eat my words. Tyler Bozak scores the winner, and the Leafs complete the comeback.

love how #safe and #consistent he is

Stressful? Yes. But it still feels good.

$$$$$$$

The Leafs are back in action on Monday night when they host the Blue Jackets. Until then, we can rest at ease… and in a little frustration, I guess.

For now, the Buds are All Day, folks!