The Toronto Maple Leafs got a desperately-needed win on Wednesday night, outlasting the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime. William Nylander ended the night with a goal at the 4:40 mark of the extra frame.
Nylander’s goal lifted the Maple Leafs out of last place in the Atlantic Division. The win pushed the Leafs past the Buffalo Sabres. But getting out of the Atlantic Division cellar would not have been possible without a rookie’s gutsy performance.
Easton Cowan tied the game at the 16:43 mark of the third period, after taking a nifty pass from Nylander. Here’s a look at the goal, as shown on the Maple Leafs’ official X account:
The goal couldn’t have come at a better time. The Maple Leafs had hung in the game all night, with Joseph Woll being the only reason the Leafs had a chance to win the game. However, the Blue Jackets struck first and pinned Toronto on the ropes.
But it was Cowan, a rookie amid a team filled with stars, who stepped up. The goal salvaged at least a tie, and, well, spared the Maple Leafs from an embarrassing loss.
Cowan had this to say after the game:
“I feel like my mindset is just getting better over the years. Obviously, a turnover I want back in the second, just tried my best the next shift, and the rest of the game, I made some good plays. So, just trying to have that mindset where you’re flipping the page, but also, you know, just trying to learn from it.”
The Maple Leafs will be looking to take the momentum gained in Columbus into Washington, where they’ll face the Capitals on Friday evening.
Cowan Looking Better following Recall
There wasn’t much doubt that Easton Cowan was going to make the Maple Leafs out of camp. The team wanted to see what they had in their best forward prospect this season. However, Cowan didn’t really catch on early in the season. He got his first NHL goal on November 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers, but was back down with the AHL Marlies on November 5.
Cowan was somewhat of an afterthought, but injuries prompted the Maple Leafs to recall Cowan on November 14. Since then, the 20-year-old has looked increasingly comfortable. In particular, playing on the same line with John Tavares has helped Cowan become more accustomed to the NHL game.
Cowan’s performance on Wednesday night could be a harbinger of what’s to come for the Maple Leafs’ rookie.
Cowan Offers Maple Leafs Hope for the Future
The Leafs are hopelessly bereft of high-end prospects. That happens following years of trading draft picks and prospects in exchange for veteran players.
But in Cowan, the Maple Leafs have some hope for the future. The rookie gives Toronto some measure of optimism, as there could be one great player in the team’s pipeline. Having Cowan aboard will be especially significant if Toronto chooses to rebuild at some point.
Of course, there’s no indication that’s the path at this point. But then again, a playoff miss could trigger a sequence of events that may lead the Maple Leafs to retool or rebuild within the next two to three seasons. That’s why having someone like Cowan to help build the team around is certainly bullish.
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