The NHL action to kick off the New Year, Auston Matthews delivered a sensational performance, scoring a hat trick and recording an assist to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a stunning 6-5 comeback victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The high-scoring win was just one of several exciting results around the league, as teams continued their push for playoff positioning early in the 2025-26 season.
Matthews Sparks Leafs’ Comeback Win
Thursday’s showdown between the Maple Leafs and Jets was an instant classic, featuring back-and-forth scoring and clutch performances from both sides. After falling behind 4-1 midway through the second period, Toronto rallied with three straight goals to tie the game and force the contest into a high-octane third period.
At the heart of the comeback was Auston Matthews, who registered three goals and one assist, completing his hat trick with the go-ahead score at 15:38 of the third period to break a 5-5 tie and secure the clutch victory for the Leafs.
Matthews’ performance showcased his elite scoring ability and leadership on the ice, as he thrived in key moments and helped shift momentum in Toronto’s favor. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Matias Maccelli also made significant contributions, each tallying a goal and an assist, while Troy Stecher added a key marker in the comeback.
For Winnipeg, Mark Scheifele stood out with two goals and an assist, and Gabriel Vilardi contributed a goal and an assist, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Leafs’ late surge. The Jets’ defeat extended their losing skid to eight straight games, highlighting ongoing struggles for the franchise this season.
Other Compelling Matchups in NHL Action
While the Leafs’ comeback grabbed headlines, Thursday’s slate featured several other noteworthy games that highlighted the competitive nature of this NHL campaign:
Penguins Edge Red Wings in Overtime Thrill
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins secured a 4-3 overtime victory over the Detroit Red Wings, as Kris Letang scored just 58 seconds into the extra frame. Sidney Crosby electrified the crowd with two goals and an assist, while Letang’s heroics came in his 1,200th career game — a milestone celebration that culminated with an overtime winner. Defenseman Erik Karlsson also hit a career milestone, collecting his 900th point, becoming only the 14th defenseman in NHL history to reach that mark.
Utah Mammoth Dominate Islanders
The Utah Mammoth routed the New York Islanders 7-2 in a one-sided contest, highlighted by Dylan Guenther’s first career hat trick. Nick Schmaltz added two goals, while Mikhail Sergachev and Clayton Keller also scored, helping Utah tie a season high with seven goals in a game. The Islanders were undermanned offensively, and their defense was overwhelmed by the Mammoth’s relentless pressure.
Lightning Complete Late Rally Against Kings
The Tampa Bay Lightning staged an exciting comeback to down the Los Angeles Kings 5-3. Anthony Cirelli, Gage Goncalves, and Nikita Kucherov all scored in the final minutes, turning a deficit into a lead and sealing the win. Kucherov also contributed two assists, and Brayden Point scored twice, highlighting Tampa Bay’s depth and determination in clutch moments.
Senators and Canadiens Score Close Wins
The Ottawa Senators eked out a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, with Fabian Zetterlund’s late goal proving decisive, while the Montreal Canadiens overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 7-5, thanks in part to goals from Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson. Both teams showcased offensive firepower and resilience.
Blackhawks and Kraken Also Pick Up Wins
The Chicago Blackhawks edged the Dallas Stars 4-3, powered by a two-goal night from Ilya Mikheyev, while the Seattle Kraken defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1, with Matty Beniers scoring twice and goaltender Philipp Grubauer delivering a strong effort between the pipes.
Matthews Continues to Cement His Legacy
Auston Matthews’ hat trick not only helped secure a dramatic win but also added to his growing legacy as one of the NHL’s elite goal scorers. Thursday’s performance marked a key highlight in what has been an impressive season, as he continues to contribute at a high level in both scoring and playmaking.
Matthews’ ability to produce in crucial moments — particularly when his team is facing adversity — underscores his importance to the Leafs’ success and solidifies his reputation as a franchise cornerstone. As the season progresses, performances like these will be crucial for Toronto as it seeks to build momentum toward postseason contention.
What This Means for Playoff Races
The dramatic nature of Thursday’s games highlights the tightly contested landscape across the NHL. For the Maple Leafs, the comeback win provides a boost in confidence and helps build positive momentum, while the Jets will look to regroup after extending their losing streak. Meanwhile, teams like the Penguins, Lightning and Kraken demonstrated their competitive depth with big victories that could influence seeding and playoff positioning as the season unfolds.
With multiple teams showing resilience and the league’s top stars continuing to shine, fans can expect even more thrilling hockey and tightly fought outcomes as the 2025-26 NHL season gains pace..
