For the first time in Maple Leafs history, the team has conquered the Atlantic Division, beating the Buffalo Sabers 4-0.
In an arena packed with Blue-and-White fans, Toronto only had one option on their mind, and that was to secure the division title, fortunately, that became a reality.
Individual milestones would also be in play, with Mitch Marner one point away from the century mark for the season and Auston Matthews one goal shy of 400 in his career.
Even with the Sabers’ season ending early once again, Toronto would not have a walk in the park securing the division, as Buffalo has always found a new level when playing the team down the QEW.
In the first period, both the Leafs and Sabers found themselves trading chances, but no team would be able to break the ice early
The play of both goaltenders, Anthony Stolarz and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, took center stage, shutting down any chances.
The Leafs’ first line would get the most of the high danger chances with Matthews and Marner flying, but both teams would head into the middle frame tied at zero apiece.
In the second, the Leafs’ fourth line would get the scoring started, as Steve Lorentz would blast one past Luukkonen, making it a 1-0 Toronto lead.
Lorentz would score his 8th of the season, which could have exceeded expectations after signing a PTO with the Leafs in the summer and consistently playing on the fourth line.
In the final frame of play, the goalie show would continue on both sides of the ice, but with the constant pressure from the Leafs, the Buds were finally able to open the floodgates.
Marner would find the back of the net off a sweet feed from Matthews, giving Marner his first 100-point season in his ninth year in the NHL.
Marner would also join three other Leafs in the 100-point club, them being Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour, and Matthews.
In the past, Marner has found himself just shy of the century mark multiple times from such instances as injuries, but has averaged 100 points many times in a full 82-game season.
The milestones would not stop there, as Matthews would get his 400th goal on an empty net to make it a three-goal game.
Matthews would find himself in elite company for the fewest games to 400 goals, playing 628, ranking sixth behind names such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and many other of the game’s best all-time goal scorers.
Marner was asked after the game what it meant to share a milestone night with his linemate Matthews.
“It’s special, he’s a special player and I’ve been lucky enough to be with him for nine years, a lot of ups and downs but we’ve been with each other through it all,” Marner said.
The scoring would continue as Nick Robertson would beat Luukkonen on the backhand, making it a 4-0 Leafs win, securing the Atlantic Division.
Stolarz would end the game with a shutout, giving him his third shutout in his last eight starts, where he was also undefeated with a .950 save percentage.
With another stellar performance, it is safe to say the Leafs have found their game one starter.
With conquering the division, the Leafs have their first-round matchup set against the Ottawa Senators in the battle of Ontario, which hasn’t happened since 2004, where the Leafs came out victorious.
Hopefully, history can repeat itself.
“It’s been a long time, they’re a good young team, they’re hungry. They’ve taken steps as well. It’s going to be great,” Matthews said when talking about the battle of Ontario returning to the playoffs. “It’s going to be fun. It’s good for hockey. It’s going to be intense, we’re looking forward to it.”
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Before the highly anticipated playoff matchup, the Leafs will still have one last game on the schedule, facing off against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, for the final home game of the season.
In a game that won’t mean much, Blue-and-White Fans are ready for the playoffs.
