The Leafs did the old Leafs thing last night after blowing a 2-1 lead to the Montreal Canadiens losing to go on to lose in overtime. Not only did they lose the game, but they did so at the hands of Cole Caufield and a nice helping of Matthews-Marner impostorism.

Foligno injured as Leafs fall short in overtime

If you don’t know what I mean by that, let me describe it fairly quickly. The Maple Leafs had a 2-on-0 in overtime with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner where they didn’t score.

This is the part where most scream and say, “UGGGHHHH!!!” very loudly but I’ll refrain from that this time. Why? The Leafs are evil geniuses that’s why.

The Habs getting two points from that game has them tied with the Winnipeg Jets who remain at 57 points after losing to the Ottawa Senators. This whole time we expected the Leafs to take on Montreal in the first round of the playoffs, something that hasn’t been done since 1979! However, this game brings the Canadiens one step closer to securing third in the North Division which would make the Leafs’ first-round opponent the team who is at their lowest point and thinks they’re dirty.

Can the Montreal Canadiens really come 3rd?

Perhaps this game is a game a blessing in disguise. Or maybe I’m just finding an excuse to enjoy the loss. Either way, the Leafs have points in 18 of their last 22 games. Not much to hate about that.

What will be interesting though is whether Nick Foligno is actually hurt or if the team kept him out of the rest of the game as a precautionary measure.

Considering all the time we’ve spent planning what the playoff roster will be as well as the well-being of a new face on the team, hopefully, it isn’t serious.

Around the Hockey World

The Penguins have developed some mid-round gems - PensBurgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins have found some major contributors in the NHL draft beyond the first round.

Tom Wilson at it again

Great chirp by Scheifele

From The Branches