The Columbus Blue Jackets upset the Toronto Maple Leafs on Aug. 9 to move on to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Blue Jackets won Games 1, 3 and 5 while the Maple Leafs won Games 2 and 4. Columbus was also one of few teams to pull off an upset during the qualifying rounds. Here now is the recap of Games 4 and 5.
1st Periods
Game 4: After defeating the Maple Leafs in Game 3, the Blue Jackets were looking to be a part of the “upset club”. Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson scored a goal almost four minutes into the game. However, the Maple Leafs got their fair share of chances on the offensive end but they weren’t able to convert their shots into goals.
Columbus went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.
Game 5: The Blue Jackets came into the game making sure they don’t get eliminated. However, the Maple Leafs came into this game determined and going back to the first round of the playoffs. But, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski scored the game’s first goal and the team built momentum from Werenski’s goal.
Columbus went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.
2nd Periods
Game 4: The Maple Leafs weren’t looking to be eliminated in their own city that’s also serving as a hub city for the Eastern Conference. However, the Blue Jackets scored another early goal in the period from defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Though, the Maple Leafs started strong to start the period. It was back and forth throughout the period but the Blue Jackets were able to hold on to their lead.
Columbus went into the third period with a 2-0 lead.
Game 5: Toronto was able to control most of the period but Columbus had their scoring chances as well. The Maple Leafs also outshot the Blue Jackets 13-8 but couldn’t get a goal to tie the game.
Columbus still had their 1-0 lead heading into the third period.
3rd Period: Game 4
We’ve seen at least a few comeback wins from different matchups throughout the qualifying round but this one was probably the wildest comeback during this round. Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner extended the lead to three which was thought to have ended the game and series. But, the big boys from Toronto stepped up and scored three unanswered goals within the last four minutes of the game. Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander, John Tavares and Zach Hyman all scored to get the job done and send the game into overtime.
The game was tied and went into overtime tied at three.
Overtime: Game 4
It was a battle for Toronto to not get eliminated and have another disappointing season. It’s been 16 years since the Maple Leafs even got past the second round so being eliminated in a qualifying round would sting even worse. And, they made sure that wasn’t going to happen. Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored the overtime game winning goal on a power play with just 6:50 left to play.
Toronto won the game 4-3 and tied the series 2-2.
3rd Period: Game 5
The Blue Jackets knew they couldn’t blow another lead especially in this game. However, the Blue Jackets were able to overcome the Maple Leafs’ powered offense with help from Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The Blue Jackets also scored two more goals from forwards Liam Foudy and Nick Foligno to secure a shutout win and move on to the first round of the playoffs.
Columbus won the game 3-0 and the series 3-2.
This series turned out to be one of the more interesting matchups during the qualifying round. The storyline also had interest from both fans and experts.
The Blue Jackets now go back to the first round to, once again, face the Tampa Bay Lightning. The same team they swept in four games last year even though the Lightning was the league’s best team.
On the other hand, the Maple Leafs continue to struggle in the postseason. This time it wasn’t a loss to the Boston Bruins in seven games during the first round. Now it’s this series and not even making it to the first round. It’s been 16 years since Toronto moved past the first round. What does this mean for the Maple Leafs’ future? Nobody knows but one thing’s for certain: they’ll probably keep the same players for a while.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jmBXR_giQA]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_4oRJh7-Gw]
Three Stars of the Game
Game 4
Third Star: Elvis Merzlikins (49 saves)
Second Star: Zach Hyman (1 goal, 1 assist)
First Star: Auston Matthews (1 goal, 2 assists)
Game 5
Third Star: Liam Foudy (1 goal)
Second Star: Zach Werenski (1 goal)
First Star: Joonas Korpisalo (33 saves)