The Toronto Maple Leafs fell flat in their opportunity to climb up the standings Sunday night, falling to the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-2 in regulation - ultimately setting up a first-round meeting with the Washington Captials next week.
With the result, the Ottawa Senators will face the Boston Bruins.
Toronto needed just one point to jump into the third seed in the Atlantic Division, and looked to be in the driver's seat early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead on two goals from James van Riemsdyk. However, the Blue Jackets roared back with three goals in the second period, the dagger coming on a shorthanded tally from Cam Atkinson.
Both Toronto and Boston finished the regular season with 95 points, but by virtue of regulation and overtime wins (ROW), the Bruins' 42 outweigh the Leafs' 39.
Toronto posted a record of 1-1-1 versus the Presidents' Trophy winning Capitals during the regular season.
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