The Leafs were playing with electricity tonight, gaining the lead and losing it twice, and ended up getting electrocuted.

For the third straight game, the Leafs have been able to gain the lead but ended up surrendering it and gaining a loss. This marks the second straight loss the Buds have suffered after holding the lead previously. This means something serious. Either, the Leafs aren’t playing a system which allows them to effectively hold leads, or they don’t have the players needed to do it. Whatever the reason is, it’s 100% evident that they haven’t had the confidence all season long.

White found the net first on the power play, directing a nice cross ice feed from sudden assist-machine Kessel. A little while after Stamkos tied the game on a one timer that beat Gustavsson. Stajan replied for the Leafs on the powerplay once again in the third, showing signs of improvement to the PP as of late. The third period saw the Leafs get into some penalty trouble. Poni on a check from behind caused the equalizer to be scored. After exiting the box, he decided to break his stick and argue the prior call. This earned him another deuce minutes in the box. The previously scored goal was scored while killing a penalty kill, showing just how vulnerable the Leafs PK is.  Going into overtime is like execution for the Leafs, having won only one of the games they’ve gone into the extra period for. After getting called on a too many men penalty, the Bolts went to work and Marty St.Louis went top cheddar to end the game.

At this point, we can now consider the rest of the season a write-off: to make the playoffs, let assume (and be generous) the Leafs need 85 points to lock down at most 8th spot. The Leafs currently sit at 45 points, meaning they would need 40 points to reach that playoff goal. There are 29 games remaining, and the the record the Leafs need would be around 20-8-1 to reach the required points. Yeah, if you laughed like I did, you’re not alone. The season is done, and the player’s are now playing for contracts or to prolong their careers in a Toronto uniform. You can be sure that those who don’t show up 100% will be removed or not resigned as soon as Burke is able.

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