Leafs Edge Islanders to Secure Playoff Berth

John Tavares scored a third period goal as Toronto held off the New York Islanders 2-1 at the Nassau Coliseum to clinch a playoff berth for the Maple Leafs. Toronto is third in the Atlantic Division, and will play Boston in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Toronto, with 99 points, can theoretically catch 2nd place Boston (103 points) for home ice advantage, but they will play each other somewhere. Both teams have three regular season games left.

Tavares, of course, left the Islanders after last season to sign with his home town Maple Leafs. That did not sit well with the Islander faithful, who have booed him unmercifully when he’s returned with the Leafs. Tavares gave the standard reply about being happy to contribute to a victory to get his team into the playoffs, but it had to be satisfying for him. Meanwhile, the Islanders have achieved success without him, improving their previously porous defense tremendously. The Islanders have already secured a playoff berth (their first in three years) and were in 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division with 99 points, three behind Washington. New York has two games remaining, at Florida on April 4th, and at Washington April 6th. Besides the game with the Islanders, the Capitals will host Montreal on April 4th. Depending on what happens April 4th, that regular season finale could be huge. Washington has taken two of three from the Islanders this season.