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The Toronto Maple Leafs were able to salvage a point in a 4-3 overtime loss against the New York Islanders on Monday, in a game in which they scored early, surrendered the lead, and trailed for almost the entire last 40 minutes of regulation, before tying the game with six seconds left. The Leafs lost on Bo Horvat’s game-winner 46 seconds into extra time, but the outcome was overshadowed by team captain John Tavares scoring his 1,000th point, much to the displeasure of large throngs of the UBS Arena crowd.
Auston Matthews scored his league-leading 19th goal of the season, but the star of the show was Tavares, who narrowed the Isles lead in the second period with his eighth of the year and tipped the puck to Morgan Rielly for his game-tying marker in the waning moments of the third.
“We are just so happy for John. Incredible accomplishment. He is a contributor on two massive goals that help us get a point tonight.” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game. “To get the 1,000th in that manner — such an important goal — in this building here, which I know means a lot to him here, with his dad in the building as well… Pretty special. We would’ve loved to get the second point for him tonight, but I am really happy he was able to have this moment.”
Although some Islander fans showed respect to their former captain who played nine seasons on Long Island for his career achievement, the majority lustily booed Tavares throughout the game, especially after registering his 1,000th point.
It was a spotty performance for Toronto on the night, as they surrendered three straight goals to the offensively-challenged Islanders in the first and second period. Ilya Samsonov did not follow up his shutout performance with a stellar effort, allowing four goals on 29 shots.
The Leafs finish up their two-game swing through the Big Apple against the NY Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers have been hot recently (going 7-3-0 in their last 10) and are tied with Boston for the Eastern Conference lead with 39 points.
Martin Jones will get the start at MSG against the Rangers, while Igor Shesterkin is expected to get the start for New York after Jonathan Quick started and won against Los Angeles on Sunday.
Keefe indicated on Tuesday morning that there may be some changes in the lineup based on some players being sore and others sick.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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