Watch: Matthews goal leads to Leafs tying series against Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Auston Matthews goal leads to Maple Leafs tying series against Bruins

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 4/22/24

Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews' first goal of the 2024 postseason couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

AUSTON MATTHEWS GIVES THE LEAFS THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/PivFaNVZu0
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 23, 2024

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft scored the go-ahead goal in Toronto's 3-2 Game 2 win over the Bruins on Monday night to tie the series at one game apiece.

Matthews led the league in goals (69) this season. His goal against the Bruins came a week shy of the one-year anniversary of his last postseason goal, in Game 6 of Toronto's 2023 first-round series with the Lightning. He had gone six consecutive playoff games without recording a goal, which was tied for the longest streak of his career.

The two-time All-Star's imprint was all over Game 2 as he assisted on the Maple Leafs' other two goals. Toronto will need more performances like the one Matthews had on Monday if it wants to avoid another first-round exit.

He's reached the postseason in each of his first eight seasons in the league but only has made it to the second round once.

Game 3 in the series in Toronto on Wednesday night.

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