Maple Leafs clinch division to set up Battle of Ontario playoff series vs. Senators

Auston Matthews has been a beacon of hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs since his arrival in 2016, but even he can’t change the team’s history of early round playoff collapses. Despite this lingering shadow, there seems to be a new sense of optimism surrounding the team as they head into the postseason under the guidance of new coach Craig Berube.

The Maple Leafs secured their first-ever Atlantic Division title with a resounding 4-0 win against the Buffalo Sabres, a milestone that has injected the team with a newfound confidence. Matthews, who scored his 400th career goal in that game, expressed his belief in the group and their ability to push forward and make a deep playoff run.

With a team-record 25 road wins and a strong finish to the regular season, Toronto is entering the playoffs on a high note. Mitch Marner reached a career milestone with his 100th point, while goalie Anthony Stolarz has been a brick wall in net, extending his career-best winning streak to eight games.

The Maple Leafs will face off against the Ottawa Senators in the first round, reigniting the historic “Battle of Ontario.” Toronto has historically had the upper hand in playoff matchups against the Senators, but recent playoff disappointments loom large over the team.

However, there are signs of a new era in Toronto hockey. The team has embraced a more responsible defensive style under Berube, leading to a 12-2-1 record down the stretch. The players credit their success to a commitment to a complete two-way game and strong goaltending from Stolarz and Joseph Woll.

Berube, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, has instilled a winning mentality in the team, emphasizing the importance of their identity and continued hard work as they head into the playoffs.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention despite a valiant late-season push. The Flames went 10-2-3 in their last 15 games, but ultimately fell short as the St. Louis Blues secured the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Veteran players like Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund expressed their disappointment at missing the playoffs for the third straight season, but also pride in the team’s resilience and determination throughout the year. The Flames defied expectations with a low team salary and a roster depleted of key veterans, showing heart and character in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

As the regular season comes to a close, both the Maple Leafs and the Flames can take pride in their accomplishments and look towards the future with optimism. While Toronto hopes to finally break their playoff curse and make a deep run, Calgary will regroup and come back stronger next season, fueled by their fighting spirit and the support of their loyal fan base.