It was a bit anti-climactic the way the Maple Leafs clinched their second berth in a row in the Stanley Cup playoffs. They were idle on Thursday, but when the Florida Panthers failed to pick up two points against the Ottawa Senators — losing 3-2 in overtime — the Maple Leafs were guaranteed a spot in the post-season. They return to action on the road Friday night against the New York Islanders before hosting the Winnipeg Jets, Canada’s only other Stanley Cup playoff representative, on Saturday night. The playoffs have seemed inevitable for some time, far different than last year. But it will all be for naught if they exit the first round of the playoffs early.

Source: thestar March 30, 2018 02:48 UTC