Second life, in the end wasted.
Failing to capitalize on one of the most remarkable and improbable comebacks in the franchise’s history, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell 3-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 5 of their qualification series for the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday night.
Toronto was, like it had been for large stretches in the series, the more dangerous offensive team throughout. But a fortunate bounce on a softball from the point and off the stick of Zach Werenski in the first period allowed the Blue Jackets to sit more comfortably in their defensive structure with the lead, before Liam Foudy scored late in the third period to double the advantage and salt the game away.