Bruins End Maple Leafs Playoff Hopes

The Toronto Maple Leafs are officially out of the NHL playoff hunt. The Leafs had a glimmer of hope as they entered this week with a home-and-home against Boston, but the Bruins swept the series, taking tonight’s backend game 4-2, reports the Associated Press. It's the third consecutive year Toronto will be watching the playoffs from home—a first in the original NHL franchise's 80-year history.

"There's always next year, but at three years in a row, it gets on your nerves," Nik Antropov said. "It's not a fun feeling, I'm telling you that." The win was big for Boston, as they continue their fight for the playoffs. They’re currently tied with Philadelphia for the last two spots, with Washington breathing down their necks, just two points behind. (More NHL stories.)