BOSTON—Auston Matthews is coming to life at just the right time.Matthews opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the post-season, leading the Maple Leafs to a heart-stopping 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Friday night.The Leafs now lead the best-of-seven set three games to two, and can take their first series win since 2004 in Game 6 at home on Sunday.“We’ve got an opportunity to close out this series in our rink,” said Matthews. “We’re excited. We’ve got to be ready to go.”Matthews, who has scored in three straight games, scored a beauty in a tight game in which both sides played a conservative brand of heads-up defensive hockey. Playing on his off wing, Matthews one-timed a pass from Jake Muzzin at 11:33 of the third to break a scoreless tie. The goal wasn’t without controversy, with the Bruins challenging for goaltender interference — arguing Zach Hyman had interfered with Tuukka Rask. Matthews has had more than his share of goals overturned by review in the regular season and was fearing the worst.“I was just praying they were going to call it a good goal,” said Matthews. “There’s a lot going through your mind there. Haven’t had the best of luck as far as those go in my career. It’s nice to get one back. I’ll take one in the playoffs any day of the week instead of the regular season.”Kasperi Kapanen scored the eventual winner at 13:45 of the third, as the winger showed signs of pulling out of his lengthy slump. He also assisted on Matthews’ goal.“He’s found a way to score big goals in his life,” coach Mike Babcock said of Kapanen. “He’s got a swagger about him, some confidence.”The Leafs needed the second goal when David Krejci scored with 44 seconds left — another one that withstood a review, this time for offside.It was a pivotal game and both sides knew it. When a best-of-seven series is tied 2-2 ...
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