Morning-after recap: Nothing really matters

Obviously no one wanted to lose to the Winnipeg Jets with one week left in the regular season, but on the other hand, who cares? The Leafs have already clinched (so have the Jets, whatever), and this is the time to get all the bugs out. The main downside of this loss is definitely the potential loss of Travis Dermott, who may or may not be okay after blocking a shot in the first period last night.

Things started out pretty decently…the first period ended 0-0, and after out-playing the Jets for a bit, the Leafs scored first in the second. After that? Meh.

Auston Matthews doesn’t have a shot, but he has just enough time to pass to Patrick Marleau, parked right in front of the net. That’s 26 goals for Daddy Marleau!

Paul Stastny provides the solid screen on McElhinney, and Josh Morrissey wires it home to tie the game.

Another excellent screen from Stastny, this time on the power play, and Dustin Byfuglien shoots all the way from the blue line.

It almost looked like McElhinney made it over in time, but the Jets’ fourth line got one in and gave the Jets the 3-1 lead they would carry through the third period to end the game.

The second half of this one was pretty rough for the Leafs, but maybe that can be attributed to the fact that it was the second game of a back-to-back? Maybe they were really tired from…trading goals with the Islanders on Friday. Maybe!

After resting up on Sunday, the Buds will be back at it Monday night against the Sabres. Mike Babcock already told the media last night that Curtis McElhinney will get the start again, but it will be interesting to see who else might get a rest besides Andersen.