With three games left to play through this upcoming Saturday, and no way they can change their playoff position, the Leafs now just need to get to the playoffs in one piece. After that they can worry about keeping guys sharp, practiced and prepared for either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning — the two potential teams they’ll face in the first round.
The Leafs have missed Auston Matthews due to injury a few times already this season, as well as a number of defensemen from injury or illness. Travis Dermott wound up being pulled from the Jets game after blocking a shot — probably more for precautionary measures than because it was a serious injury, but still.
Time to wrap all the players in bubblewrap for the rest of the season, Lou. It’s like a reverse-Loubar.
ONTO THE LINKS
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Around The NHL
Seems like Tampa and Boston might also be thinking of bubblewrapping all their players after this weekend...
#TBLightning captain Steven Stamkos will not return to tonight’s game due to a lower-body injury. #NSHvsTBL
— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 2, 2018
New from @BostonSportsBSJ. Carlo out with broken left fibula. https://t.co/pzhmecLb1L
— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) April 1, 2018
Meanwhile, the Flyera beat the Bruins in OT and the Lightning lost in regulation to the Preds, keeping the Bruins two points ahead of Tampa for the division lead with a game in hand. That’s great and all, but it’s even better when you see some of the goals the Flyera scored in the victory featuring Travis Konecny (in before “LEAFS LOST THE TRADE!”) and Claude Giroux:
Travis Konecny just scored and we're speechless.
— Broad Street Hockey (@BroadStHockey) April 1, 2018
Goal of the year? pic.twitter.com/PCVNr5YPSR
Claude Giroux wins it for the Flyers in OT pic.twitter.com/gEfhLI3XCQ
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 1, 2018
Have a great Monday everyone!