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Wednesday, October 7
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The Lead

Matthews Four Points Erase 3-0 Deficit in Overtime

Auston Matthews scored at 4:46 of overtime and added three assists in regulation, and those four points pulled the Maple Leafs out of a 3-0 deficit for a 5-4 win over the Nashville Predators. The scoring sheet carries the more useful detail: Nylander, rookie Gavin McKenna with his first goal as a professional, John Tavares and Jack Roslovic also scored, giving Toronto five different scorers.

That spread matters for a team now 2-2-0. A comeback built on one player is hard to repeat, while one built on depth scoring is a pattern a coach can plan around. McKenna's goal also adds to the case that the No. 1 pick can contribute in a lineup that has not needed him to carry anything yet.

The cost was four goals allowed, even with Anthony Stolarz making 21 saves. Nashville got two goals each from Steven Stamkos, who moved into 17th on the NHL all-time list, and Nils Hoglander, with Juuse Saros stopping 33 shots. The lapses that created a three-goal hole will get more attention on tape than the finish, and Thursday's game in Vegas is the next chance to see which of the two repeats.

The Rest of the Slate
NLDS
Jake Cronenworth hit a tiebreaking homer and Michael King pitched the final two innings as the Padres avoided elimination with a 4-3 win over the Brewers, who still lead the series 2-1. In the other series, a two-run homer from Hernández broke a scoreless tie in the Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Braves, putting Los Angeles up 2-1. Both Game 4s are tonight, and each trailing team gets another elimination test.
The Number
7

Innings Yamamoto gave the Dodgers in Game 3 against the Braves Seven clinical innings kept the game close enough for a single swing from Hernández to break it open, and that is how a short series tilts. In a best-of-five, one deep outing lets a manager rest the bullpen for the next game, so watch how much of that advantage Los Angeles carries into Game 4 tonight.

What's On Today
4:00 PM ET · Cleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox
6:00 PM ET · Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
7:30 PM ET · New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs
8:00 PM ET · Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Top Dog — Betting Angle

No Maple Leafs pick today. Toronto, 2-2-0, next plays Thursday in Vegas, and there is no confirmed price to recommend.

“Survival is the only statistic that carries over to the next game”
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