NHL scores 2017: The Maple Leafs are back in the playoffs after a 5-year absence

We’ve known for a while now that these Maple Leafs aren’t the ones of years past. With rookie wunderkinds Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in tow, this Toronto team just felt different.

And they showed it on Saturday in their 5-3 win over the Penguins, as the Maple Leafs have claimed the last open playoff spot. The season is over for the Islanders and Lightning, who weren’t really in control of their destiny. Their chances got better as Toronto failed to gain points leading up to Saturday, but the Maple Leafs were ultimately writing their own story.

Now for the first time in five years, Toronto is back in the playoffs. In fact, five total Canadian teams will be in the postseason this year — a huge step up from icing none last season. Who the Maple Leafs will play is still up in the air, as a point on Sunday will net us a Battle of Ontario in the first round. No points, and it’s the Stanley Cup favorite Capitals in round one.

It’s a shame that the final day of the regular season has lost its shine, but it’s a great tradeoff now that the Maple Leafs are in the playoffs once again. Look me in the eye and tell me that Matthews and this young Toronto core in a playoff atmosphere isn’t exciting. I dare you.

So enjoy the ride Toronto. Goodness knows you’ve earned it after how much suffering you’ve had.

Senators 3, Rangers 1
Flyers 4, Blue Jackets 2
Capitals 3, Bruins 1
Kings 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Islanders 4, Devils 2
Jets 2, Predators 1
Maple Leafs 5, Penguins 3
Canadiens 3, Red Wings 2 (OT)
Panthers 3, Sabres 0
Blues 5, Hurricanes 4 (SO)
Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (SO)
Wild 3, Coyotes 1
Oilers 3, Canucks 2
Sharks 3, Flames 1

1. The Islanders’ win was all for naught

New York made things real interesting in the playoff race with a 4-2 win over the Devils. That, combined with a potential Maple Leafs loss, would have set up an incredible set of games for Sunday. As it stands though, their hard-fought win in New Jersey only stood for a mere hour before Toronto clinched. Considering how they started the season, it’s incredible they went stride for stride with Tampa Bay down the stretch.

2. Columbus has a chance to right the ship one last time on Sunday

The Blue Jackets are still faltering down the stretch, as their loss to the Flyers on Saturday was their sixth in a row and their eighth in their last 10 games.

Their Sunday opponent — the Maple Leafs — won’t be a pushover, however, with playoff positioning on the line for Toronto. Columbus will likely rest some of their starters in preparation for the postseason, but fans would no doubt feel more comfortable if they pulled off a victory.

3. The rest of the playoffs matches are starting to shake out

With a win for St. Louis and a point gained for the Blackhawks in their loss to the Kings, a handful of Western Conference matchups have been set. The Blues will face the Wild, who won 3-1 on Saturday to gain home ice, in the first round. Chicago, meanwhile, will get the Predators in round one.

4. The Stars are still Stars-ing

We’ll miss you in the playoffs, Dallas. But hey, at least you won this game in the shootout!

5. Florida is looking to end Tom Rowe’s tenure on a high note

The Panthers broke a six-game losing streak thanks to a 3-2 win over the Sabres. They’ll face the Capitals on Sunday in Tom Rowe’s last game behind the bench. News broke last week that Florida won’t be continuing on with its coach, as they’ll seek other options after Rowe stepped in when Gerard Gallant was fired mid-season.

Frederik Andersen was taken out of the game thanks to this hit from Tom Sestito to start the second period.

It almost was a turning point for the Maple Leafs, but Curtis McElhinney stopped 12 of 14 shots faced in relief.

Too little, too late Jets.