The Toronto Maple Leafs' extended homestand came to a dramatic end on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a hard-fought 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena.
The defeat was sealed when Columbus forward Adam Fantilli scored with just 38.8 seconds remaining in the extra period, completing a hat trick and snatching the victory.
Tavares Leads the Charge in Regulation
Maple Leafs captain John Tavares was instrumental in forcing overtime, spearheading a two-goal comeback. After Fantilli had given the Blue Jackets a 2-0 lead in the second period, the Leafs began their response.
The rally started when defenceman Dakota Mermis scored his first NHL goal since February 24, 2024, off a clean faceoff win by Tavares. The captain then tied the game in the third period, finishing a slick give-and-go play with rookie Easton Cowan for his 12th goal of the season.
Tavares nearly became the hero, nearly scoring the go-ahead goal with six minutes left in regulation and getting another chance in overtime.
Injuries Force Lineup Shuffle
The game marked the end of a favourable early-season schedule for the Leafs, who had played 15 of their first 21 games at home. They concluded that stretch with a record of 8-4-3, a points accumulation that has them lower in the Atlantic Division standings than desired.
Coach Craig Berube was again forced to juggle his lines due to a string of recent injuries. A bright spot was the return of Scott Laughton for just his third game this season. Centring a line with Steven Lorentz and Easton Cowan, they were Toronto's most effective unit in a scoreless first period.
Toronto had a rare two-man advantage in the first period but could not convert, despite controlling the puck well.
Looking Ahead to a Critical Road Trip
Despite the overtime loss, the Leafs managed to take three out of a possible four points from their final two home games. The team now embarks on a season-high six-game road trip, a crucial test that will define their standing as they move away from the comfort of Bay Street.
Joseph Woll was in net for the Maple Leafs, who were outdone by a stellar individual performance from Fantilli, one of three players from the Greater Toronto Area on the Columbus roster.
