Game 9 of the 2025–26 season is in the books — and the Toronto Maple Leafs narrowly escape Buffalo with a 4–3 overtime win thanks to the late-game heroics of captain John Tavares! Zack Phillips delivers a rapid postgame reaction, breaking down how the Leafs avoided full-blown panic after another sloppy defensive showing. From Nic Robertson’s first-line goal and Easton Cowan’s relentless forecheck to Jake McCabe’s massive, tone-setting hit and fight, Zack analyzes the rare bursts of emotion this team showed despite ongoing concerns. He also dives into the absence of William Nylander, Morgan Rielly’s return, an alarming goaltending situation with Primo and Hildeby, the Leafs’ lack of sustained possession, and a power play that continues to let them down. Plus: Bet365 Best Bet recap, grading the performance, and celebrating Tavares’ 499th career goal as Toronto grinds out a much-needed two points.

Chapters:

00:00 OT win avoids Leafs panic

00:28 Goalie situation gets messy (Primo & Hildeby)

01:20 Nylander out, Rielly returns

02:52 Nic Robertson scores on the top line

03:55 Jake McCabe’s massive hit + fight sparks emotion

05:47 Power play continues to struggle

06:34 Passing and rush defense collapse

08:36 Dakota Joshua ties it up

09:55 John Tavares OT winner + 499th career goal

10:34 Bet365 Best Bet recap

11:16 Play of the Game: Jake McCabe

11:35 Final grade: D+ but two points secured

12:40 What’s next on TLN After Dark

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