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Blue Jackets set for opener vs. speedy Leafs

The Columbus Blue Jackets earned a reputation as giant-killers in the first round of last season's playoffs by knocking off the Presidents' Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in four straight games.

This time around, they will open their best-of-five Stanley Cup qualifying round series Sunday night in Toronto against a team that is known for early playoff exits, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs have lost in the first round of the playoffs for three straight years and have not won a playoff series since 2004.

In another twist, Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe played 93 of his 125 NHL games for Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella while both were with the Lightning from 2000-03.