Tuesday night, the Leafs had an opportunity to to clinch a playoff berth.
Unfortunately for Toronto fans, the Leafs lost 4-1 to the Capitals and missed out on their opportunity to lock up a playoff spot.
Not to worry, though, Leafs fans, the second chance the team has to clinch is right around the corner, and they won't be alone.
On Thursday night, Ottawa and Toronto can become the final two teams in the NHL to lock up a playoff spot, and the scenarios are simple.
For the Leafs, beat the Lightning at home and you're in.
Simple, right? Toronto can also clinch with a shootout loss + an Islanders loss to the Hurricanes. Simple also describes the Sens' scenario, too.
Ottawa can also clinch with an OT or SO loss or an Islanders and Lightning loss on Thursday.
Obviously if the Leafs lose to the Lightning and Ottawa loses to Boston, things will become a little more complicated, but we won't deal with that until we are forced to.
For now, all Leafs and Sens fans need to know is that a win (or OTT OT/SO loss, NYI & TB loss in Ottawa's case, TOR SO loss plus NYI loss in Toronto's case) and you're in.
(H/T: MoneyPuck.com)
