The Toronto Maple Leafs put a scare in the Washington Capitals, but it was the favourites that prevailed in Game 1
Toronto native Tom Wilson scored five minutes into overtime as the Caps came all the way back from a 2-0 first-period deficit, winning 3-2 on Thursday night.
Wilson stole a clearing attempt from Martin Marincin along the wall in the Toronto zone, firing high to beat Frederik Andersen, who was otherwise sharp with 41 saves.
Mitch Marner and Jake Gardiner both scored in defeat for the Leafs, trying to knock off the best team in hockey in their playoff appearance in four years.
The Leafs had nine players making their NHL playoff debuts in Game 1, but didn't look like it early. They came out full of pep against their more experienced Washington foes, flashing the speed and skill that helped them surprise the hockey world in making the post-season.