Stanley Cup Stories: Leafs suffer, Justin Williams clutch

A disappointing playoff homecoming for the Maple Leafs, another clutch performance from the Kings' Justin Williams and a big win for the Red Wings topped Monday's NHL stories:

1. Maple Leafs fans endured nine years and two days off playoff-less hockey in Toronto, and the Bruins only added to their suffering. Boston crashed the party at the Air Canada Centre with a 5-2 victory to get ahead 2-1 in the series. These fans still believe their beloved Leafs have a chance, but will they rebound in Game 4 on Wednesday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 p.m. ET)? Vote here.

2. To quote Hockey Night in Canada play-by-play announcer Mark Lee, "Justin Williams does it again!" The Kings winger lifted Los Angeles to a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues with this game winner. Williams was due for a clincher after his efforts in Game 2 and Game 3. Now the Kings have the series knotted at 2-2 and aim for the lead Wednesday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 9 p.m. ET).

3. The Red Wings delivered a heart-pounder in Motown to even their series with the Anaheim Ducks at 2-2. Damien Brunner notched the 3-2 OT winner and Hockey Night's Andi Petrillo gave him props for stepping up. Meanwhile, the Rangers welcomed the Capitals to Broadway down 2-0 as they also got defenceman Marc Staal back from eye injury. New York capitalized on Washington's lack of discipline and edged the Caps 4-3 with Derek Stepan's late third-period goal.

4. As if the Habs needed more motivation for Game 4 against the Sens. After Montreal took a 6-1 beating in Game 3, Don Cherry "guaranteed" the Canadiens would be a different-looking team Tuesday night (CBC, CBCSports, 7 p.m. ET). But Habs coach Michel Therrien is concerned that the Senators are abusing some of his players, namely forward Brendan Gallagher. "You go back and watch the game, there's blows to the head, elbows being thrown, they're paying particular attention to him, but good grief, is he getting abused," he said.

5. Gallagher has certainly earned himself attention of another kind. The first-year Canadiens forward was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy for the honour of top NHL rookie. Gallagher is up against Brandon Saad of Chicago, and Jonathan Huberdeau of Florida. See how Gallagher and Saad continue to impress as their teams highlight Tuesday’s Hockey Night doubleheader.