The Toronto Maple Leafs have punched their ticket to the NHL playoffs for the second time in the past 12 seasons, as they defeated the reigning Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Saturday night.
The Leafs now need to gain at least one point in their last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday at 6 p.m., in order to face the Ottawa Senators in the first round, which is a more favorable match up than the Washington Capitals, who they’ll play, if they lose their final game of the season.
Also, rookie sensation Auston Matthews has become the team’s first 40-goal scorer since Mats Sundin after scoring an open netter for the Leafs fifth goal of the night, which sealed the deal for them to clinch a playoff spot.
Goalie Frederik Anderson left the game early with an injury and it was the second time for the 27-year-old in the last two weeks, as his status is not known heading into the post-season.
Toronto is now in third place in the Atlantic Divison with a record of 40 wins, 26 losses and 15 overtime losses for a total of 95 points this season.
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