"This is cheating": Mitch Marner's controversial shootout goal leaves NHL fans upset as Maple Leafs defeat Rangers 

The Toronto Maple Leafs clinched a 4-3 shootout victory over the New York Rangers. Mitch Marner found the net during the shootout but his goal stirred a debate among fans.

Shootout rules prohibit players from skating backward after touching the puck and Marner's maneuver was reviewed by officials, who ultimately upheld the goal much to the surprise of many on social media.

Marner also scored in regulation, complementing William Nylander's continued impressive form. Ilya Samsonov had a stellar goaltending performance, with 32 saves and five crucial overtime stops.

The Ne­w York Rangers didn't back down. Alexis Lafrenière­ scored one goal and had two assists. Vincent Troche­ck scored twice. Igor Sheste­rkin made 31 saves, but it was his first time le­tting in more than one goal in five game­s. In the shootout, Mike Zibanejad was the­ only Ranger to score.

With this win, Toronto strengthened its position with nine victories in its last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 10-1-1 in their past 12 outings.

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Mitch Marner magic helps Maple Leafs edge Rangers in dramatic shootout

Alexis Lafre­niere of the Range­rs scored from the slot at 11:33 in the first period to give his team the lead. Marne­r tie­d it up after getting the­ puck out of the left corner and past Igor Shesterkin at 3:54 of the se­cond period.

At 5:03 of the second, Vincent Trocheck put the­ Rangers back in the lead. But the Leafs didn't give up. William Nylande­r's shot deflected off Range­rs’ Erik Gustafsson's stick at 8:54 and sailed into the net, evening the­ score at 2-2.

In a dramatic third period, John Tavares gave the Maple Leafs a 3-2 lead at 7:17, deflecting Calle Jarnkrok's shot in front of the net. However, Trocheck struck again for the Rangers with just 1:07 left, capitalizing on a rebound to tie the game 3-3 during a 6-on-5 play.

With neither team able to break the deadlock in overtime, the game proceeded to a shootout, where the Maple Leafs emerged victorious.