No, this is no April Fools joke. Despite the collapse in recent weeks, the Leafs have secured their ticket to the postseason, all thanks to the first NHL goal of Calle Rosen’s career in his season debut, and the first goal of Tavares’ career against the Islanders.

The first didn’t really bring a whole lot in terms of scoring, but it was an exciting period to say the least. It was mostly back and forth, but as the period drew out, the Leafs managed to start controlling play a bit more as we went into the second period.

The boos continued to poor down towards John Tavares, but not as badly as it did the first time in Long Island. Probably because they had less people show up because this team has the worst attendance in the league.

However, the Leafs saw their fortunes change in the second, as early into the frame, Calle Rosen scores his first NHL goal (something that every Leafs defenseman likes to do against the Islanders apparently) on a knuckler from the blueline that finds it way past Robin Lehner and in.

Even after the 1-0 lead, the Leafs managed to keep the pressure and the Islanders rarely had moments of sustained pressure.

Speaking of pressure, our blood pressure went up when Auston Matthews took a shot to the leg. Luckily, he’s fine, but it’s still a scary moment.

The Leafs kicked off the third like they did the second, with another early goal. This time, it comes from the home team favourite John Tavares, who scores his first goal against his former team.

They kept up the play until a late penalty from Auston Matthews gave the Isles the opportunity they needed to build their momentum, as Jordan Eberle potted a goal after numerous chances to make it 2-1.

The Isles pressed hard for the game tying goal, but the Leafs held strong and left the game with the 2-1 lead, with Tavares scoring the game winning goal against his old team.

The Leafs held the play for most of the game, up until that last stretch when the Isles drew within one. The bottom six got caved in, which wasn’t too shocking with Johnsson out, and Kappy up, and the Rielly-Hainsey pair was bad, but a win’s a win.

Today it goes to #48. He scored his first NHL goal in his first game of the season, and he also led the Leafs in CF% with a 67.86%. Solid debut, postseason form already.

Up next, the Leafs head back home to play the Hurricanes tomorrow night. It’ll be interesting to see how the lineup looks now that they’ve secured a spot.