The Review

Maple Leafs edge Oilers to capture Stewart Cup

East Falls league tourney decided in OT

- By Rick Cawley

The Maple Leafs took game 3 of the East Falls/McDevitt Hockey League Finals 3-2 in overtime to capture the 2024 Stewart Cup.

For hockey purists out there, this was your kind of series.

Fittingly all three games went into sudden death overtime between the two evenly matched teams.

Defense was paramount throughout the series as was goaltendin­g as both the Maple Leafs Jeff Lafferty and the Oilers Steve Verdone repelled just about everything coming their way.

Rich DiPiero’s stunning overtime goal in game one propelled the Oilers to a 5-4 1-0 series lead only to see the Maple Leafs’ Teddy Baldo return the favor in game two.

Baldo’s goal gave the Maple Leafs a 2-1 victory and knotted the series and provided plenty of emotional drama heading into the decisive game three.

The Maple Leafs seemingly had the game in hand as goals by Teddy Baldo and Chris Zawislak gave them a 2-1 lead with the clock ticking down.

However, Chris Baldo wasn’t gonna let brother Teddy walk away with a trophy that easily.

He scored his second goal of the game with about 30 seconds remaining to force yet another overtime nailbiter.

Enter the man of the hour, Mike Acosta, who drilled the series winner about two minutes into overtime to finally end the emotionall­y charged finals in the Maple Leafs’ favor.

After the game it was well wishes and hugs as the players went back to being what they were before the hard-fought series…friends.

Hoisting the Stewart Cup for the Maple Leafs were Jeff Lafferty, Teddy Baldo, JJ Eisenlohr, John Royds, Mike Fuhrmeiste­r, Andrew Coyle, Mike Acosta, Chris Zawislak, and Zack Hack (who missed game three).

Put your money on a 2025 rematch between these two powerhouse­s.

?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? The Stewart Cup winning Maple Leafs took 2of the 3overtime games to capture the title.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY The Stewart Cup winning Maple Leafs took 2of the 3overtime games to capture the title.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? JJ Eisenlohr tries to knife through Harry Carr and John DePrince to gain possession.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY JJ Eisenlohr tries to knife through Harry Carr and John DePrince to gain possession.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Oilers Joe Straface tries to stuff the ball past Jeff Lafferty.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Oilers Joe Straface tries to stuff the ball past Jeff Lafferty.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? John Caruso drops the ball for faceoff with Chris and Teddy Baldo.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY John Caruso drops the ball for faceoff with Chris and Teddy Baldo.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? The Leafs’ JJ Eienlohr tries to gain control of the ball with Chris Baldo keeping close tabs.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY The Leafs’ JJ Eienlohr tries to gain control of the ball with Chris Baldo keeping close tabs.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? John Caruso poses with Finals MVP Teddy Baldo, who was a force on both ends of the ice.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY John Caruso poses with Finals MVP Teddy Baldo, who was a force on both ends of the ice.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Leafs goalie Jeff Lafferty makes a sprawling save with Rich DiPiero on the doorstep.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Leafs goalie Jeff Lafferty makes a sprawling save with Rich DiPiero on the doorstep.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Chris Baldo gets off a shot despite pressure from Zack Hack.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Chris Baldo gets off a shot despite pressure from Zack Hack.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Oilers steady defenseman John DePrince clears out of the defensive end.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Oilers steady defenseman John DePrince clears out of the defensive end.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? JJ Eisenlohr, left, battles Oilers Chris Baldo on a face-off.*
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY JJ Eisenlohr, left, battles Oilers Chris Baldo on a face-off.*
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Oilers Steve Verdone reacts to a ball in harm’s way.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Oilers Steve Verdone reacts to a ball in harm’s way.
?? PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY ?? Maple Leafs Mike Acosta rifles a shot on goal.
PHOTO BY RICK CAWLEY Maple Leafs Mike Acosta rifles a shot on goal.

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