Maple Leafs 5-0 Comeback; A Rare Feat
"It was a very unique game, that's for sure" The words of Calgary Flames coach, Bob Johnson after his team beat the Maple Leafs 6-5 in overtime on January 26, 1987. This was the last time any NHL team came back to tie a 5-0 deficit in the 3rd period before Toronto did it themselves on December 14, 2023. The present day Buds erased a 5-0 deficit in the 3rd period against the Columbus Blue Jackets, only to lose in overtime. The last time a team came back from a 5-0 hole in the final period was almost 37 years ago, also in Toronto. The Calgary Flames went down 5-0 at Maple Leaf Gardens entering the third, only to rally for five goals and win in overtime. On that Monday night in early 1987, Toronto erupted for a five-goal 1st period, chasing starting goaltender Mike Vernon after the fourth. Miroslav Ihnacak, rookie Vinny Damphousse, Al Iafrate, and two goals from Wendel Clark staked the Leafs to a 5-0 lead after one period of play, outshooting the Flames 16 to 7. The score