TORONTO – The Maple Leafs clinched their spot in the NHL’s postseason on Monday night, the final note of a rousing 2-1 decision over the New York Islanders. That leaves the final three regular-season games to serve as dress rehearsal for the long-anticipated first-round rematch with the Boston Bruins.
The Leafs’ win over New York was their most complete performance in weeks. Going up against the best defensive team in the NHL, Toronto capitalized on limited offensive chances while holding the Islanders to 29 shots at the other end, the fifth time in seven games Toronto has kept their shots against below 30.
A few other game-time decisions remain based on player health but even with a few potential lineup tweaks, Toronto wants to maintain the spirit showed in Monday’s win. “We’ve grown a lot [since that series]. We’ve added pieces and a lot of us have grown as individuals,” said Auston Matthews. “We try to not look too far ahead, focus on these last three games and really make sure you’re preparing every night and bringing your A-game every night. [Boston is] in the back of your mind, but it’s not quite the main focus just yet.”
“[We want to] make sure we’re firing on all cylinders and taking care of the puck and doing things right,” added Matthews. “These last few games are important ones just to get ourselves ready for the playoffs.”
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