With a deficit of 1-3 well into the third period, it looked like the star defenseman from Småland would have to celebrate his anniversary with a loss. Then, the strong-form national teammate William Nylander stepped forward and scored 2-3 with over four minutes left, which gave the visitors new energy.
In the final minutes, Toronto pulled the goalie and also got a penalty, which they made sure to take advantage of. When the clock showed 19.12, Mitchell Marner scored the equalizer with an assist from Nylander, and in overtime, John Tavares could then decide and give the Canadians the extra points.
Ekman-Larsson, who made his NHL debut in 2010, came to Toronto before this season after winning the Stanley Cup with Florida. So far this season, he has made five assists and one goal.
