TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs showcased their dominance on Saturday night with a resounding 5-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking their fourth consecutive win. The game, held at Scotiabank Arena, saw standout performances from William Nylander and Nick Robertson, who each netted two goals, while Auston Matthews contributed with a goal of his own.
In goal, Anthony Stolarz was a brick wall, making 27 saves to secure his second shutout of the season. This victory not only solidified the Leafs' position at the top of the Atlantic Division but also clinched their playoff spot for the ninth straight season on April 2, 2025. With six games remaining in the regular season, the Maple Leafs (47-25-4) are looking to maintain their momentum as they head into the playoffs.
The Blue Jackets (34-32-9), on the other hand, faced a setback in their playoff chase. They now trail the Montreal Canadiens by six points for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference after the Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 earlier in the day.
Stolarz’s shutout was the 10th of his career, and he has now won his last five starts, putting him in a strong position to be the starting goaltender for the Leafs in the first round of the playoffs. "I’m just trying to keep it simple and play my game," Stolarz said post-game. "The team played great in front of me, and it feels good to contribute to this win."
Robertson's performance was particularly noteworthy as he had been a healthy scratch for several games prior to this outing. He opened the scoring early in the first period after a turnover from Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who misplayed the puck, leading to Robertson's 13th goal of the season. "It was nice to get back in the lineup and help the team win," Robertson commented. "I’ve been working hard, and it felt good to contribute tonight."
Nylander followed suit, scoring both of his goals in the third period just 3:10 apart, bringing his season total to 44 goals. His two-goal effort further cements his status as one of the league’s top scorers this season. "I just try to find the right spots and make the most of my chances," Nylander stated. "Tonight, everything clicked for us, and it was a great team win."
Auston Matthews also made history with his goal, marking his 30th of the season, which signifies his ninth consecutive season with at least 30 goals. He finished off a beautiful pass from Mitch Marner, sealing the score at 5-0.
The game was not without its chippy moments, as tensions flared between the two teams. Fights broke out between Steven Lorentz and Sean Kuraly, as well as Simon Benoit and Mathieu Olivier, highlighting the physical nature of the matchup.
Defensively, the Maple Leafs were solid, with Chris Tanev setting a new franchise record for blocks in a single season by blocking his 177th shot. He surpassed the previous record of 176 set by Carl Gunnarsson during the 2013-14 season. "It’s always nice to set records, but the most important thing is helping the team win," Tanev remarked.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets will face the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, April 6, 2025, as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs will travel to Florida to take on the Panthers on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and both teams will be looking to build on their recent performances.
The Maple Leafs’ win not only boosts their confidence but also sends a message to the rest of the league as they prepare for the postseason. As the regular season winds down, Toronto’s depth and skill are becoming increasingly evident, making them a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 5, 2025.
