Maple Leafs erase 3-0 deficit to beat Predators in OT, per NHL Media

Auston Matthews scored the overtime winner to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a comeback victory against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 7, 2026, according to NHL Media. The win featured the first career goal and assist for Toronto rookie Gavin McKenna, who helped the team erase a three-goal deficit at Scotiabank Arena.

Nashville Leads Early With Stamkos and Hoglander

The Predators established a 3-0 lead within the first 23 minutes of play. Steven Stamkos opened the scoring at 7:13 of the first period, scoring on a rebound of a shot by Matthew Wood during a power play. Toronto failed to clear the zone on three separate opportunities during that penalty kill, as noted by the primary source.

At 9:08 of the first period, Hoglander increased the lead to 2-0 by tucking a puck around the post after an Adam Wilsby shot banked off the end boards, leaving goaltender Stolarz out of position. Hoglander scored his second goal at 3:03 of the second period, chipping in a rebound following a rush by Filip Forsberg.

Gavin McKenna and John Tavares Spark Toronto Rally

Toronto began its comeback at 4:56 of the second period. Gavin McKenna provided his first career NHL point with an assist to John Tavares, who scored on a rush from the left dot. Sportsnet reported that the 2026 first-overall pick’s assist was met with significant crowd appreciation at Scotiabank Arena.

William Nylander brought Toronto within one goal at 6:58 of the second period, scoring on a rebound in the slot during a power play. While Nylander later appeared to put Toronto up 5-4 at 11:49, the goal was disallowed after Nashville successfully challenged for offside.

McKenna recorded his first career goal after receiving a pass from Auston Matthews at the top of the right circle, according to Sportsnet. Nylander described the goal as a “bullet” that hit the top shelf.

First-Overall Picks Create NHL History

The game marked only the fourth time in NHL history that four first-overall picks—John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Gavin McKenna, and Auston Matthews—each scored at least one goal in the same game, NHL Media reported. Other occurrences of this feat happened in 1990, 1991, and 2015.

Predators Struggle With Discipline and Closing

Steven Stamkos criticized the Predators’ failure to maintain their lead, stating that taking penalties is a “recipe to allow teams back in the game.” Stamkos noted that a 3-0 lead should be a game the team closes out if they intend to be a playoff team.

Maple Leafs Manage Rookie Workload

TSN reported that the Maple Leafs are carefully managing 18-year-old Gavin McKenna through their sports science department. This includes McKenna skipping optional skates that other players, including Auston Matthews, attended to build chemistry. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger noted that this is part of the team’s effort to manage the young asset’s rest and recovery.

Matthews Scores Overtime Winner in Toronto Victory

• Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
• Date: Oct. 7, 2026
• Key Performers: Auston Matthews (OT winner), Gavin McKenna (1G, 1A), John Tavares (1G), William Nylander (1G)
• Nashville Scorers: Steven Stamkos (1G), Hoglander (2G)

Common Questions About the Maple Leafs’ Comeback

Why did Gavin McKenna miss optional skates?
According to TSN, the Maple Leafs’ sports science department is managing McKenna’s rest and recovery because he is only 18 years old.

How rare is the achievement of four first-overall picks scoring in one game?
NHL Media reports this has only happened three other times in league history, occurring in October 1990, March 1991, and October 2015.

What led to the disallowed goal by William Nylander?
The goal that would have put Toronto up 5-4 was overturned after the Nashville Predators successfully challenged the play for offside.