While it wasn't an exact replica, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins proved history does indeed repeat itself.

Spearheaded by William Nylander's first career hat trick, Toronto owned a 4-1 lead in the second period. However, presumably drawing from past experience, the Bruins promptly erased the three-goal deficit, setting up one hell of a finish between the Atlantic Division rivals.

Unlike the Maple Leafs' infamous playoff collapse in 2013, though, the result turned out much better for the Blue and White, eventually eking out a crucial two points.

All in all, it was bananas, and a series of key plays ultimately played a big role in determining the outcome. Here are three of them:

Brown gets a break

Five minutes after Ryan Spooner tied things at 4-4, Toronto briefly managed to escape the confines of the defensive zone, and Connor Brown was the beneficiary of a fortuitous bounce on the other side of the rink.

As Zach Hyman searched the slot for a recipient, his centering pass deflected off the heel of Zdeno Chara's stick and right onto the tape of Brown's, who authoritatively put it in the open net.

5-4.

Komarov's penalty

It wasn't long after Brown's goal that Leo Komarov tempted fate, awarding the Bruins a chance after interfering David Pastrnak.

As the hockey god's would have it, none other than Patrice Bergeron would capitalize on the ensuing powerplay.

5-5.

Marner's screen

Based on what transpired throughout a topsy-turvy third period, hardly anyone anticipated overtime despite the tied score, and it was James van Riemsdyk that iced it with 1:36 to go.

While JVR's second tally of the game was certainly a well-placed shot, it wouldn't have been possible without a perfect screen from linemate Mitch Marner.

6-5, final.

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