Toronto Maple Leafs Could Clinch Playoff Spot Tonight Without Stepping the Ice
The Toronto Maple Leafs have all but officially clinched a playoff spot, and they could clinch tonight without even hitting the ice if one of two separate scenarios play out.
While the Leafs will not be in action tonight, they can officially confirm their spot in the postseason if one of two separate scenarios play out.
Toronto will officially clinch a playoff spot if the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers in tonight's game in any fashion, or the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Nashville Predators in any fashion.
Currently, the Leafs have the top spot in the Atlantic Division over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
Head Coach Craig Berube Praised the Team After Their 3-2 Win Over the Anaheim Ducks
The Maple Leafs responded from a disappointing shootout loss to the basement-dwelling San Jose Sharks by playing a complete game against the Anaheim Ducks, winning 3-2 at Honda Center.
The goalie was good. I thought the team competed hard tonight. I thought we were a little tired and gassed, or it looked like it, anyway. But we did a good job defending. We did what we had to do to win the game.
It was a big goal by our fourth line going out there with Stevey Lorentz tipping one in.
Overall, I was happy with our game. Our guys did what we had to do to win the game. We knew what type of game it was going to be, and I thought we handled it well.
Handled it well they did, and they will need that exact same type of performance against Florida on Wednesday. There's no room for error anymore with regards to either the playoffs or the standings, it's do or die, and the team has to show up.
With a motivated team, and some extra reinforcements potentially coming in the near future, things are finally looking bright again for the Maple Leafs.
The team next hosts the Panthers tomorrow night at Scotiabank Arena, with the puck scheduled to drop at 7:30PM ET.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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AVRIL 1 | 554 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Could Clinch Playoff Spot Tonight Without Stepping the Ice Can the Maple Leafs maintain control of their 1st spot in the Atlantic Division? |
Yes | 476 | 85.9 % |
No | 78 | 14.1 % |
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