But four consecutive Rangers goals later, and the atmosphere at the Air Canada Centre was much tenser, and the teams entered the third period tied 5-5.
That led to the Maple Leafs re-taking the lead, a coach’s challenge, and a highlight reel goal to cap a sequence that put the Maple Leafs ahead 7-5.
It began when Tyler Bozak scored, redirecting a centering feed from Jake Gardiner. But before the goal could be announced, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault challenge the play, questioning if Toronto was offside earlier when they brought the puck into the offensive zone.
It was the NHL’s first challenge of the 2017-18 season under its new set of challenge rules: Failed coach’s challenges on goals contesting offside not only result in the score being upheld, but also penalizes the challenging team with a two-minute minor.
It’s a calculated risk that will often be determined by where the game is at and, it’s one that Vigneault took on Saturday, but one that quickly snowballed in Toronto’s favor.
The NHL situation room explained the decision:
After the referees upheld the goal, the Maple Leafs scored on the ensuing power play, with Leo Komarov tapping in a rebound off a William Nylander shot. The Rangers went from challenging a goal and potentially being tied 5-5, to being shorthanded and quickly trailing 7-5.
After NHL Hockey Operations staff reviewed all available replays and consulted with the Linesman, the call on the ice was upheld - good goal Toronto Maple Leafs
Since the Coach’s Challenge did not result in the original call being overturned, the New York Rangers are assessed a minor penalty for delaying the game.
The Maple Leafs added a late goal and defeated New York, 8-5, improving to 2-0 on the season. Toronto has scored 15 goals in its first two games.
