On Wednesday night, Toronto Maple Leafs clinch a playoff spot by winning 4-1 against Montreal Canadiens. Jack Campbell made 32 saves for Toronto, while William Nylander, Adam Brooks and Jake Muzzin provided the need offense.
Morgan Rielly and Jason Spezza added two assist each; now Spezza ties with Canadien legend Maurice Richard for the 99th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list. Joe Thornton, Leafs oldest player in the history of the franchise, help Muzzin score a goal, becoming the seventh player in the league’s history to register 1 100 career assist.
Canadiens and Leaf seem likely to meet in the playoff for the first time since 1979. After this win, Toronto turns its attention to a two-game series beginning on home ground on Thursday against Vancouver Canucks. Montreal remains inclined six points ahead of Calgary Flames in the North final post-season berth. Canadiens will host Winnipeg Jets on Frida and then Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
Canadiens already had several players out of the game who include winger Brendan Gallagher, who has broken thumb, No. 1 goalie Carey Price is suffering a concussion. At the same time, Jonathan Drouin is on leave due to personal reasons.
Toronto secured their first goal 1:38 in the first period; Nylander finished a passed toward Allen, who creased it securing his 15th goal of the season.
Leafs won after a two-game sweep in Winnipeg and a 0-3-2 run. In the second period, at 6:27, Muzzin pointed a shot towards Canadiens defenseman John Merrill who was battling Thornton for his third campaign securing a third goal for the Leafs.
Suzuki gave Leafs an extra goal 15:15 in the second period and scored his 10th goal of the season and giving Toronto the much-needed room for a playoff chase.
