Postgame: Leafs, Wings push dual third-period barrages in OT classic

The Wings and Leafs played probably the most exciting outdoor game in years. Or at least, the most exciting third period in years.

Up 1-0 after 40 minutes, many online were blaming everything from poor ice conditions to poor play for this being one of the most boring outdoor games they’d ever seen.

Then, uh, seven third period goals happened.

Though the Wings ended up losing 5-4 in overtime it’s not a game they’ll soon forget.

Jared Coreau was perfect.

Until, uh, he gave up 4 goals in the third period. Leo Komarov, and the trio of Leafs rookies in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Connor Brown. 

(Surprisingly?) the Wings started their comeback.

Jonathan Ericsson scored his first of the year to get things going with just over 6 minutes remaining in the third.

Then Tomas Tatar (not Dylan Larkin) scored with 1:58 to go to put the game back within reach.

They couldn’t come all the way back, could they? After all, this is the 2016-17 Detroit Red Wings.

Well, uh, we were wrong. 

Cue the 4-1 jokes.

The game really was a classic, but Auston Matthews’ shot landed in the back of the net with his 20th goal of the season. Man, what a player.

What a way to earn a point.

via Hockeystats.ca

A very even, yet very odd game.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Anthony Mantha’s two-goal, three point effort continued a strong streak of play for the Wings’ forward. The goals were his eighth and ninth of the season.

The Wings start a road trip in Anaheim on Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m.