It wouldn’t be totally over — not with one more head-to-head matchup remaining on the docket — but it would be a comfortable eight-point cushion for the Leafs to take into the final stretch.
After the Jets starter was pulled for just the second time this season, the Leafs have to enter this rematch planning to face a much sharper Connor Hellebuyck tonight. He gave up three goals on six shots against the Leafs on Thursday after allowing three on 25 shots against Edmonton, but a cursory glance at Hellebuyck’s game log this season makes it very apparent how rarely the Vezina winner allows a blip like this to turn into a slump.