They owed Lou Lamoriello at least that much.
With Garret Sparks in net, Mike Babcock rolling his lines (and TJ Brennan leading the defence in time on ice), the Leafs made sure they did their part tonight, cementing a last-placed finish for the first time since 1984-85.
The Maple Leafs finish short of 30 wins (29) in a full season for the first time since 1990-91 (80-game season) and fall short of 200 goals (197) for the first time in a full season since 1997-98.
A draw will take place for the first three draft positions, which means – if they don’t win it outright – the Leafs’ exact odds of drafting second or third will change depending on who wins the lottery, at which point the odds increase on a proportional basis for the teams remaining.