Washington Capitals Dash the Hopes of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs were still in the hunt for the first seed in the Eastern Conference standings, although the Washington Capitals had something to say about it.
With the NHL playoffs just about a week away, there has been a lot of talk about playoff seedings and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking like the favorites to win the Atlantic Division, which means they also had a chance to win the Eastern Conference.
While the Washington Capitals have occupied that top spot all season long, there is no doubt that the Leafs were maintain close proximity and giving their fans hope.
Toronto Maple Leafs won't finish first in the Eastern Conference
Last night, those Eastern Conference hopes were dashed as the Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 5-4 in a shootout.
As a result of the win, the Capitals have secured the first seed in the Eastern Conference, which means the best the Leafs can finish is second.
The Capitals take care of business at home against Carolina, meaning they've clinched first place in the Eastern Conference, and it's now out of reach for the Leafs. Florida also picks up a victory against Detroit, moving up to 96 points.
Updated Atlantic standings:
🔹TOR: 100
🔹TBL: 97
🔹FLA: 96
🔹OTT: 90
🔹MTL: 87
Updated Atlantic standings:
🔹TOR: 100
🔹TBL: 97
🔹FLA: 96
🔹OTT: 90
🔹MTL: 87
This weekend, the Leafs are playing against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens. Both of these games will be important for securing the top seed in the Atlantic Division.
Overall, the Leafs just need to win three of their last four and mathematically, it will be theirs.
Of course, that is easier said than done and it hinges on the Tampa Bay Lightning winning all of their games as well.
Nothing is safe in the NHL, but if there was ever a team to be in an advantageous position right now, it would be the Toronto Maple Leafs.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 185 ANSWERS Washington Capitals Dash the Hopes of the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs would beat the Washington Capitals in a playoff series? | ||
| YES | 158 | 85.4 % |
| NO | 27 | 14.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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