Maple Leafs secure first Atlantic Division title, shut out Sabres 4-0

The Toronto Maple Leafs clinched their first Atlantic Division title under the current alignment with a 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, marking their first divisional win since the 1999-2000 season. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz led the way with 35 saves, securing his third consecutive shutout in Buffalo. Auston Matthews scored his 400th career goal, while Mitch Marner reached a career milestone of 100 points in a season. The win guarantees Toronto the second seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff matchup against their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators, who swept the Leafs in the regular season but have never defeated them in a playoff series. The Maple Leafs set a franchise record for road wins this season and are looking to advance beyond the first round, relying on their offensive stars and strong goaltending. Ottawa, meanwhile, will counter with grit and standout goaltending from Linus Ullmark, making the series highly anticipated and competitive.