Goals 1st2nd3rdF
🐧 PIT 1113
🍁 TOR 2136

Penguins at Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs beat Penguins 6–3 at Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2025.

🗓 📍 Scotiabank Arena, Toronto 🏒 2025-26 🔁 Maple Leafs lead the season series 3–0
⚔️ Head-to-head

⭐ Three stars

Best games by the box score
1st star 🍁 TOR
William Nylander
2 G, 2 A
3 shots · 18:21 TOI
2nd star 🍁 TOR
Max Domi
1 G, 1 A
2 shots · 16:56 TOI
3rd star 🍁 TOR
Bobby McMann
1 G
4 shots · 16:56 TOI

🚨 Scoring

9 goals · in order
1st period
🍁 William Nylander Go-ahead 1st · 09:07
Unassisted · beat Stuart Skinner
0–1
🐧 Bryan Rust Tying 1st · 09:51
1–1
🍁 Matias Maccelli Go-ahead 1st · 13:34
1–2
2nd period
🍁 Steven Lorentz 2nd · 07:38
Unassisted · beat Stuart Skinner
1–3
🐧 Rutger McGroarty 2nd · 11:43
Unassisted · beat Joseph Woll
2–3
3rd period
🐧 Anthony Mantha Tying 3rd · 01:00
3–3
🍁 Max Domi Go-ahead 3rd · 11:35
3–4
🍁 Bobby McMann Empty net 3rd · 17:57
Assists: Max Domi
3–5
🍁 William Nylander Empty net 3rd · 18:36
3–6

📝 Game recap

AI

Maple Leafs Outshine Penguins with 6-3 Victory

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a solid 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 23, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience. The game featured the Maple Leafs pulling ahead in the later stages of the third period, capitalizing on their scoring opportunities to seal the victory.

Big Picture

From the drop of the puck, it was evident that both teams came prepared for a competitive matchup. The first period saw both teams exchange goals, leading to a closely contested tie heading into the second. The Maple Leafs used a balanced attack and strong performances from their key players to take control.

The Penguins fought hard, tying the game early in the third period, but the Maple Leafs quickly regained momentum. This victory positions them well as they navigate this part of the season, demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure.

Turning Point

The game's defining moment occurred after the Penguins tied the score at 3-3 with Anthony Mantha's goal just a minute into the third period. Rather than allowing this to derail their momentum, the Maple Leafs quickly regrouped. Max Domi scored just 10 minutes later to put the Leafs in the lead again, igniting the home crowd.

Following Domi's goal, the Leafs displayed a burst of energy, scoring twice more in quick succession. Bobby McMann's goal at 17:57 followed by Nylander’s late insurance marker solidified Toronto's dominance and ensured they couldn’t be caught. This sequence really showcased the Maple Leafs' ability to respond to adversity.

Standout Performances

William Nylander was the standout player of the night, scoring two crucial goals and recording two assists. His offensive skills were on full display, particularly in the latter stages of the game, where he was directly involved in back-to-back goals, helping to stretch the lead.

Max Domi also shone brightly, contributing a goal and an assist, playing a pivotal role in turning the tide in the third period. Additionally, Matias Maccelli and Steven Lorentz provided valuable contributions to the scoreboard, ensuring a balanced attack throughout the game.

The Penguins' Bryan Rust and Rutger McGroarty were also notable, with Rust scoring the equalizer in the first period and McGroarty notching a goal to bring the Penguins close. However, they ultimately fell short against the Leafs' offensive firepower.

What It Means

This win reinforces the Maple Leafs' status as a strong contender in the league. Their ability to respond after the Penguins tied the game reflects their depth and resilience, which will be crucial as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, the Penguins will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses, particularly in the third period, if they wish to remain competitive. This game serves as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in hockey, and for both teams, the next steps will be vital as they navigate their respective playoff hopes.

🧩 Lines & pairings

Estimated from ice time
🐧Penguins
L1 Crosby · Rust · Rakell 18:21
L2 Novak · Dewar · Mantha 14:52
L3 Acciari · Kindel · Brazeau 13:09
L4 Koivunen · McGroarty · Hayes 12:16
D1 Karlsson · Wotherspoon 22:23
D2 Kulak · Letang 20:18
D3 Shea · St. Ivany 17:14
🍁Maple Leafs
L1 Matthews · Tavares · Nylander 18:26
L2 Maccelli · Domi · McMann 16:56
L3 Lorentz · Laughton · Joshua 12:42
L4 Knies · Robertson · Roy 10:41
D1 McCabe · Rielly 23:31
D2 Ekman-Larsson · Stecher 19:24
D3 Tanev · Myers 16:17

📊 Team stats

Away left · home right
🐧PIT TOR🍁
32 Shots on goal 31
16 Hits 19
7 Blocked shots 14
7 Takeaways 6
14 Giveaways 19
6 Penalty minutes 6
PIT shooting 9.4% (3/32) TOR shooting 19.4% (6/31)

🥅 Goaltending

Saves, shots faced and save percentage
🐧Penguins
25/29
.862 SV% · 4 GA · 59:07 TOI
🍁Maple Leafs
29/32
.906 SV% · 3 GA · 60:00 TOI

🗺 Where the goals came from

9 of 9 goals located
William Nylander · 1st 09:07 · 0–1 Bryan Rust · 1st 09:51 · 1–1 Matias Maccelli · 1st 13:34 · 1–2 Steven Lorentz · 2nd 07:38 · 1–3 Rutger McGroarty · 2nd 11:43 · 2–3 Anthony Mantha · 3rd 01:00 · 3–3 Max Domi · 3rd 11:35 · 3–4 Bobby McMann · 3rd 17:57 · 3–5 William Nylander · 3rd 18:36 · 3–6
PIT TOR
The net is on the right for both teams. Hover a dot for the goal.

🔮 Period by period

AI
After 1st — 1–2
Penguins
Penguins — trailing by 1 goal after 1st: 1-5-1 (14% win rate, 7 games)
Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs — leading by 1 goal after 1st: 4-4-1 (44% win rate, 9 games)
After 2nd — 2–3
Penguins
Penguins — trailing by 1 goal after 2nd: 0-0-1 (0% win rate, 1 game)
Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs — leading by 1 goal after 2nd: 3-3-2 (38% win rate, 8 games)
🔮 Ask Puckey

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❓ PIT vs TOR, answered

Who won Penguins vs Maple Leafs on December 23, 2025?

Maple Leafs won 6–3. The final score was Penguins 3, Maple Leafs 6.

Who scored for Penguins?

Anthony Mantha, Bryan Rust, Rutger McGroarty.

Who scored for Maple Leafs?

William Nylander (2), Bobby McMann, Matias Maccelli, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz.

How did the Penguins goalie play?

Stuart Skinner made 25 saves on 29 shots (.862 save percentage).

How did the Maple Leafs goalie play?

Joseph Woll made 29 saves on 32 shots (.906 save percentage).

Where is Penguins vs Maple Leafs played?

At Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the Maple Leafs home rink.

What is the Penguins vs Maple Leafs season series?

Maple Leafs lead the season series 3–0 after 3 games.

Have a different question? Ask the Oracle — it answers from real box scores.