In Uniondale, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally punched their ticket to the post season with a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders.
Frederik Andersen made 28 saves to pick up the win.
Toronto ( improved to 46-26-7.
Frederik Andersen got the win for the Leafs – file photo by Lewiws Bleiman
The win also means the first round of the playoffs will feature the Leafs and the Boston Bruins.
John Tavares had a goal in the winning effort.
“Anytime you make it official and everything that goes into it from the first day of training camp to this point and even the rest of this week, you’re able to take a moment to soak it in,” Tavares said. “We get to be a part of it and get that opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. That’s what it’s all about.
“You work so hard for that opportunity. It’s such a long season. It’s just nice to make it official and punch your ticket. You never want to take your foot off the gas, regardless of your situation. It’s good to get it done as soon as possible.”
With the Washington Capitals losing to the Florida Panthers on Monday, the Isles had a chance to close the gap in the race for the Metro Division lead.
Jordan Eberle scored to the Isles only goal.
“Give them some credit; they had a lot of desperation in their game,” New York coach Barry Trotz said. “We needed more in ours. We had some at the end.
“I thought the first was pretty even. I thought the second we were fine until they got the goal, and they got some momentum there.”
Calle Rosen struck for his first NHL goal in the win.
You always have the visions before the game how it would be,” Rosen said.. “It was nice for it to happen today.”
[WATCH: All Maple Leafs vs. Islanders highlights]
Robin Lehner made 36 saves in the loss.
“It’s frustrating because we’re playing really well, and they get a lucky goal like that,” Lehner said. “It happens once in every 500 pucks or whatever, and unfortunately it happened tonight.”
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