Postgame: Battle of Ontari-no

Well, at least they’re still going to the playoffs.

Though we didn’t get the Battle of Ontario matchup that would’ve made for great TV, the Leafs head into round 1 against the Washington Capitals and that’s well, pretty “lit”.

The Leafs probably deserved better in this one, but hockey is hockey and being in the playoffs after 82 is much better than not being in the playoffs.

Here’s what went down:

The Leafs got out to an okay start in this one, though I can’t really say for sure. With one eye on the Masters and the other eye on the Leafs, the team felt their way through the first 20 minutes and ended up tied at 0-0 after one.

JVR hit quickly into the second with a pair of goals.

Within seven minutes of the second period, the Leafs were up by a pair and there was eventually a sold-out Canadian Tire Centre, with anticipation of a Leafs-Sens playoff series.

Regardless of where you stand on the rivalry, it’s hard to argue it would’ve been an incredible four contests to watch.

That uh, didn’t happen. Nikita Zaitsev went down injured, then Roman Polak shortly followed him. While Polak would return, Zaitsev wouldn’t, as the Toronto side finished with just five d-men.

Oh, and Columbus struck for three goals before the second period was over.

None were spectacular, but Matt Calvert, Josh Anderson and Cam Atkinson struck for the CBJ to give them a quick one-goal lead.

And that was that. The Leafs pushed hard in the third period, but ultimately fell short, losing 3-2 in their final regular season loss of the 2016-17 season.

The Leafers tied the shot battle at 32 and dominated the possession battle. Sometimes it just isn’t your night.

James van Riemsdyk wins for the second night in a row. Let’s hope he continues this form into the playoffs.

For the second time in site history, TLN will be covering a playoff series. See you Wednesday/Thursday from Washington.