No one should be expecting much from the Leafs at this point and similar to recent run of success at home, maybe having something to play for in St. Louis was the difference maker for the Blues. It’s a convenient narrative but it’s also an ominous start for a Maple Leafs road trip which will involve two teams fighting for their playoff lives and another trying to clinch their division as their next three opponents. The Leafs playing like they have nothing left doesn’t make for games anyone will want to watch but maybe provides some hope that a lottery pick is still attainable for Toronto.
The Leafs sit ninth from the bottom as Saturday’s game winds down. Toronto has played more than anyone chasing them in the standings which doesn’t hurt either and the one in twenty chance of picking at the top of the draft improves with every failed effort the club puts forth. There are only eight games left and the next three provide a strong opportunity for the Leafs to lose. That might not be hockey worth tuning in for but it’s a reason to keep an eye on the results.
The Blues coming out strong as the Maple Leafs serves them well too. St. Louis is now just two points back of Toronto and it’s been playing some of its best hockey of the year. With no risk to the Blues for having a solid draft pick, a little effort doesn’t hurt them.
The Maple Leafs will spend Sunday traveling before facing the Anaheim Ducks on Monday. It’s the final game of March, a month where they only have four wins to date. I’m not sure what Keith Pelley still needs to evaluate when it comes to the Maple Leafs, but Saturday’s effort probably didn’t save anyone’s job.