The Toronto Maple Leafs lost yet another game, this one by a score of 6-2 to the Florida Panthers on their last Saturday night of the season. And, while a lopsided loss usually stings, this one felt a bit different in the bigger picture of the season. With the Maple Leafs not playing in the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. The focus has shifted entirely toward the future and where they will land in the draft lottery on May 5th.
Here are the key takeaways from a huge loss against the Panthers.
The Tank Bowl
If you had been told last season that the Maple Leafs and Panthers were playing a game in April to help determine who slides into the bottom five in the NHL, you would have laughed. There is no chance that fans of either team would have believed them. However, last night it did. By losing this game, the Maple Leafs have officially slid into 28th place in the NHL, which is huge with just two games remaining. The further they fall down, the higher chance they have to land a top-five pick in the draft.
Now, they sit just three points ahead of the New York Rangers for fourth to last, who have two games remaining, and five points ahead of the Calgary Flames, who have three games to go. So, there is still a chance if the Maple Leafs fail to record a point in their last two games that they can continue to fall down the standings and increase their chances of securing their pick. Their first-round pick was traded to the Boston Bruins in the Brandon Carlo deal, which saw the pick itself and Fraser Minten to the Bruins. Although it was a terrible trade by former GM Brad Treliving, he did have the wherewithal to add a top-five protection to it.
Another Tough Night to be a Goalie
Joseph Woll got the start tonight with Anthony Stolarz officially shut down for the rest of the season and Artur Akhtyamov playing against the New York Islanders. Sadly, it’s the case of “same story, different game.” Woll was left out to dry on more than a few occasions as the Panthers’ offence got going, and he ended up giving up six goals.
Related: Maple Leafs Seek Redemption in GM Search: Past Mistake Haunts Them
While the final score isn’t pretty, it’s important to remember the context. He was playing behind a defence that had been hit hard by injuries and a lineup that had a few fresh faces from the AHL. But also, it is pretty clear that the team just wants the season to end. It hasn’t been fun; it’s been brutal to watch, and it is weighing on them. The good news is these starts aren’t likely going to determine his future with the team. They see him as part of the future, but they also can’t have Akhtyamov or even Dennis Hildeby getting shelled every night, or it’ll ruin their confidence.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have just two games left on the schedule. They are back in action Monday night at home against the Dallas Stars before heading to Ottawa on Wednesday for the final matchup of the Battle of Ontario to close out the year.
