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TORONTO (AP) – The bounces keep going the New Jersey Devils' way in overtime.
|  | | Scott Gomez pushed the game-tying goal past Curtis Joseph in the third period to force OT. |
Brian Rafalski's centering pass deflected in off the skate of Toronto defenseman Cory Cross seven minutes into the extra session, lifting the Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
Rafalski also set up Scott Gomez's game-tying goal in the third
period, and Bobby Holik also scored for the Devils who took a 2-1
lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Game 4 is Thursday at Toronto.
"I was trying to make a pass to (Randy McKay)," Rafalski said. "He was trying to go back door. That's his kitchen down there. But the defenseman turned, it went off his skate, and I'll take it."
How's that for a Dearborn, Mich., native, who three years ago was playing in Finland?
"Biggest goal of my career so far. To get an overtime winner in the playoffs, that's what you always dream about," Rafalski said. "Maybe 15-20 years later, it'll be top shelf, greatest shot ever."
The Maple Leafs will never see it that way.
"It was just tough luck," said goalie Curtis Joseph, who kept the Maple Leafs in the game by stopping 42 shots. "It's nobody's fault."
Holik won a faceoff just inside the Maple Leafs blue line, and
got the puck back to Rafalski, who took the puck up the right side
boards. Rafalski attempted to send a pass through the middle, but
the puck hit Cross' skate and slid between Joseph's legs.
The Maple Leafs have had their share of bad breaks lately.
On Saturday, Toronto overcame a three-goal third-period deficit
before losing 6-5 in overtime on yet another unfortunate bounce
when Sergei Brylin blocked Aki Berg's point shot that led directly
to McKay's game-winner.
The Maple Leafs dropped their second straight playoff game after winning the first five.
Garry Valk, in his first appearance in these playoffs, and Steve
Thomas scored three minutes apart in the second period for the
Maple Leafs.
"It's another test," said Thomas, who has four goals in the past three games. "Thursday is a must game for us."
The Devils, who outshot the Leafs 17-8 in the third period, made
it 2-2 when Rafalski, from the left corner, sent a pass through the
crease that Gomez tipped in from in front 1:34 in.
New Jersey also blew numerous scoring opportunities.
Alexander Mogilny shot wide left on a breakaway 11 seconds
before Valk tied it at 1. Joseph then made a key stop with 4:46
left in regulation when he foiled Gomez on a breakaway and then
recovered in time to block Ken Daneyko's blast from the point.
The Maple Leafs pressed for the winner early in overtime as Gary
Roberts got two whacks at the puck on a partial break, and Mats
Sundin redirected a bouncing shot from in close only to have Martin
Brodeur make a pad save.
Curiously, New Jersey's checking line has been in on both game-winners.
"It's a funny game," Holik said, laughing.
Not that he's taking anything for granted.
"Every victory is as important as the next one because if we
don't win the next one, then how important is tonight?" Holik
said. "We have to build on this one. We cannot be satisfied that
we got to this point."
Game notes
The Maple Leafs commemorated the 50th anniversary of defenseman Bill Barilko's Stanley Cup-clinching overtime goal against Montreal in 1951. Barilko, who has been immortalized in The
Tragically Hip song "Fifty Mission Cap" died in a plane crash
that summer. Barilko's former teammates, his sister Anne Klisanich
and the Tragically Hip were on hand for a pregame ceremony. ...
Valk, out since hurting his right eye in practice on March 26,
replaced RW Jonas Hoglund, who had no points in six playoff games.
... Devils C Sergei Brylin sustained what the Devils are calling a
bruised knee. Brylin was carrying the puck up the boards when he
appeared to fall on his own and had to be helped off the ice with
3:49 left in regulation. ... Toronto lost for the first time in the
playoffs _ dropping to 5-1 _ when leading after two periods.
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ALSO SEE
NHL Scoreboard
New Jersey Clubhouse
Toronto Clubhouse
Maple Leafs-Devils Series Page
Shactman: No help for CuJo
Shactman: A more devlish Gomez
Shactman: Sundin getting a charge from depth
RECAPS
St. Louis 3
Dallas 2
New Jersey 3
Toronto 2
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Brian Rafalski's pass attempt deflects off of Cory Cross and into the net for the game-winner.
avi: 1380 k
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'Cable Modem
Brian Rafalski's centering pass finds Scott Gomez for the game-tying goal.
avi: 1030 k
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'Cable Modem
Gary Roberts puts the puck on net and Steve Thomas is there for the rebound.
avi: 1050 k
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'Cable Modem
The Devils' Bobby Holik scores a power-play goal thanks to a Patrik Elias screen.
avi: 1060 k
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'Cable Modem
Garry Valk backhands the puck past Martin Brodeur to complete the Maple Leafs' 3-man rush.
avi: 990 k
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'Cable Modem
 Scott Stevens talks with the National Hockey Night team after the Devils' overtime win in Toronto.
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RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
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