'Go Leafs Go': Fans celebrate Toronto's first playoff series win since 2004

The Toronto Maple Leafs are finally moving past the opening round of the NHL playoffs.

With a 3-2 series lead, Toronto had another chance to close out the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday to reach a feat it has not achieved since 2004 – win a postseason series.

Auston Matthews opened the scoring in the second period to give the Leafs a 1-0 lead. Steven Stamkos tied it in the third period.

For the third time in this series, an overtime was needed to decide the winner. Five minutes into extra time, assisted by Matthew Knies and Morgan Reilly, John Tavares scored the winning goal, sending his team to the next round.

Here’s a recap of the game and how Leafs fans reacted to the win:

11:20 P.M.

Toronto police are advising drivers to use extreme caution as there are "numerous people" on the streets at the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street.

A video posted on Twitter show rejoicing Leafs fans at the middle of the downtown intersection.

11:10 P.M.

Leafs fans also posted reaction videos on Twitter showing the moment the Leafs beat the Lightning. “They did it,” one fan says in one of the videos.

11:04 P.M.

Boston or Florida (again)? Here's the team Leafs fans want Toronto to face next.

10:50 P.M.

Here's a look at Bremner Boulevard and York Street near Scotiabank Arena, where Leafs fans have crowded to continue celebrating tonight's momentous win.

10:39 P.M.

The TTC tweeted that some all its downtown bus and streetcar routes are experiencing delays as fans celebrate the Leafs' win tonight.

10:15 P.M.

Fans at Maple Leafs Square erupt in cheers as Toronto wins the game in overtime thanks to Tavares' goal. Fans jump for joy and chant, "Go Leafs Go."

"It's good (they) finally break the curse," one fan says. "Now, second round, here we come."

Another fan says he's been waiting for "this moment" his whole life. "I have no words," he says.

Another fan has tears in her eyes. She says she never thought that the Leafs would advance.

"This is the best day of my life," she says. "I knew they had the talent to do it. But they had to believe in themselves. And I'm so f------ happy right now."

One fan believes the team's "glory days" are coming.

"What we knew back then -- the last time we saw glory days was (19)67. These are the new times, and we're about to enjoy them and bask in them. So let's enjoy the sun. And let's go get that final parade," he says.

Wonder what the city looked like the last time Leafs won a playoff series? Read more here: Flip phones and partying on Yonge Street: A look at Toronto the last time the Leafs won a playoff series

10:03 P.M.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have done it. They are moving on to the second round of the NHL playoffs after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in overtime in Game 6.

This is the first time in nearly two decades that Toronto has won a playoff series. The last time they played past the opening round was in 2004, when they beat the Ottawa Senators.

The Leafs will face either face the Boston Bruins or the Florida Panthers, which are playing a Game 7 on Sunday.

9:41 P.M.

Game 6 is going into overtime. The Leafs and Lightning are tied 1-1 after three periods.

9:10 P.M.

Steven Stamkos ties the game 1-1 in the third period. There are 15 minutes left in the game.

8:46 P.M.

The second period ends with the Leafs leading 1-0.

8:36 P.M.

The Leafs open the scoring in the game in the second period 1-0. Auston Matthews, assisted by T.J. Brodie, gives his team the lead.

Here's a look at how fans at Maple Leafs Square reacted to the goal.

7:51 P.M.

The Leafs and Lightning are scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Toronto had two power plays during the first period but came up empty. Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov made 10 saves.

7 P.M.

Game 6 is underway in Tampa as the Leafs get another shot at booking their spot in the second round.

6:50 P.M.

Michael Bunting is in the Leafs' Game 6 Lineup. He was suspended for three games for an illegal check and interference during Game 1.

5 P.M.

Fans are starting to fill up an outdoor viewing party at Maple Leafs Square after the gates open. Many are braving the rain with hopes to watch their team win against the Lightning and move on to the next round.

There was a limited supply of passes for the tailgate party outside Scotiabank Arena. The tailgate will include giveaways, activities, special guests and a DJ.

Meanwhile, in Tampa, the Lightning have cancelled their watch party due to a tornado watch.