Craig Berube's main focus is on the playoffs after a successful regular-season finale for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3. The win solidified their playoff positioning as they prepare to face the Ottawa Senators in the first round, marking the first playoff Battle of Ontario in over 20 years. Toronto's captain Auston Matthews emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong, and the team is heading into the postseason with momentum, having won five straight games.

The Leafs' depth was on display as Philippe Myers scored a crucial goal, showcasing Toronto's offensive depth ahead of the playoffs. The team's successful streak towards the end of the season has the squad feeling confident and ready to break their long-standing playoff drought, which dates back to 1967. As they face a well-coached Senators team, the Leafs are determined to execute their game plan effectively and establish dominance in their provincial rivalry.

Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltender Anthony Stolarz made a spectacular return after an eight-week absence, leading the team to a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. His performance included 27 saves and showcased his impressive form, having boasted a .953 save percentage prior to injury. Stolarz was instrumental in previous wins, earning praise from teammates like William Nylander, who commented on his game-winning capabilities.

Defenceman Philippe Myers broke the team's goal drought from the blue line, scoring his first since 2022. The Leafs relied heavily on their top scorers during a recent stretch, but Myers' goal was a much-needed boost as they rank last in defensive scoring. Matthew Knies also made an impact, contributing his 21st goal of the season amidst a contentious high-stick call that ultimately stood.

In a strong showing, the Toronto Maple Leafs triumphed over the Seattle Kraken with a score of 3-1, led by goalie Anthony Stolarz who made 26 saves in his first start since December. The Leafs' offensive efforts were spearheaded by Philippe Myers, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies, with Knies extending his goal streak to three games. Eeli Tolvanen managed to spoil Stolarz's shutout bid with a goal in the third period for the Kraken, who struggled to maintain momentum after a recent comeback against Detroit.

Toronto's victory marks their third consecutive win, and they successfully killed all five of Seattle's power plays. Myers opened the scoring for the Leafs early in the first period, followed by a power-play goal from McMann. Despite Seattle's prior rally, they failed to capitalize, continuing a disappointing trend of allowing multiple goals in the first period over their last three games.

This past weekend, Toronto Maple Leafs fans witnessed the exceptional skills of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, who showcased his prowess in a 3-0 victory. Hughes' performance served as a stark reminder of the high-caliber defencemen the Leafs have been lacking since Börje Salming's era in the 1970s.

Toronto's current blue line, led by Morgan Rielly, has struggled to replicate the impact of franchise defencemen like Hughes and Cale Makar. Over the decades, the Leafs have drafted numerous blueliners but have yet to find a true game-changer. The recent changes in team management and coaching philosophy aim to bolster the defensive aspect of the game, but the offensive contributions from defencemen remain alarmingly low.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the signing of defenseman Philippe Myers to a two-year contract extension worth $1.7 million. This decision comes as Myers, now 27 years old, continues to adapt to his new team in the current NHL season.

In his first season with the Maple Leafs, Myers has participated in 11 games, contributing two assists while averaging 17:08 of ice time per game. Over his NHL career, he has accumulated a total of 38 points, consisting of eight goals and 30 assists, along with a plus-six rating in plus/minus and 72 penalty minutes across 169 games played with teams including the Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and his current team, the Maple Leafs.