TORONTO (AP) Mitch Marner scored twice during a wild third period and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Rangers 5-3 on Saturday night.

The teams combined for six goals in the final period, including Marner's empty-net goal with 20 seconds left after Chris Kreider cut the margin to 4-3.

Morgan Rielly had a goal and an assist, and Patrick Marleau and Andreas Johnsson also scored for Toronto (24-10-2). Frederik Andersen made 25 saves, and John Tavares and Johnsson each had two assists as the Leafs won their third straight game.

Neal Pionk and Kevin Hayes had a goal and an assist each for New York (15-14-5). Alexandar Georgiev made 31 saves.

Johnsson snapped a 1-1 tie at 1:37 of the third on a goal originally credited to Marner. After Toronto won an offensive zone faceoff to the left of Georgiev, the Rangers backup goalie stopped an initial tip by Tavares off Jake Gardiner's point shot, but the rebound squirted out to Marner. His shot deflected in off Johnsson standing at the top of the crease. >> Read More

#NYR Goal!!! It's a one goal game again! pic.twitter.com/iZlU03tJxr
- New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 23, 2018

What's Next: The Rangers have a quick turnaround as they host the Flyers at Madison Square Garden at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Popular in the Community