LEAFS POSTGAME: Leafs Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Despite losing a franchise-record 11 straight games prior to tonight, the Leafs hadn’t been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. And with even a slight chance of the playoffs, you know the Leafs players and coaches are proceeding with the hope of playoffs, but the realistic expectations of finishing 10th or 11th.

Playoff push or not, a win was necessary for the team tonight. Fortunately, the Oilers were in town.

Let’s be real – the first period was kind of boring. No goals were scored. But the Leafs looked quite good. While the shots were pretty even in the first (and throughout the night), the Leafs were dominant in terms of scoring chances and corsi. Edmonton caught up later on, which is expected when a team is down. The big thing that is in close scoring situations at even strength, the Leafs were very good.

The second period was when the fun began.

At 8:56, Richard Panik scores on the powerplay, giving the Leafs a lead – a rarity in their last twelve games. Two minutes later, The Phil adds another one.

3 minutes later, Morgan Rielly scores a sure Goal of the Year candidate. 

30 seconds into the 3rd, and this happens.

That pass by Kadri! That goal by Santorelli! This is what confidence can do to a team.

Speaking of confidence:

The Leafs would let Luke Gazdic (!) score with 2.3 seconds left to blow Reimer’s well-deserved shutout. There’s video of it but Gazdic sucks and honestly it’s heartbreaking to see the shutout bid ruined.

James Reimer. He was very upset and critical of the team’s performance after their last loss, and he backed up that talk. Sure, the score was lopsided, but Reimer made some big saves at key moments to keep the team on track. 31 saves on the night.