Tonight, the Leafs could statistically hold 8th place via tie breakers over the Habs, Panthers, and Islanders.  If all these teams follow our plans (Montreal losing to NJ, Florida losing to Atlanta, and the Isles winning the Battle of New York over the Rangers) the blue and white will be standing in the final playoff spot. It sets up a 4-way tie for 33 points, from 8-11th place, but we will still come out on top.

No joke, here's how. The Leafs and Islanders will both have a game in hand over the other 2 teams - the first tiebreaker. That already guarantees the Leafs at least 9th. The second tiebreaker is most wins - well the Leafs and Isles will have the exact same record. The 3rd tiebreaker - head to head series - is what seals it. The Leafs have earned more points against Islanders in the 2 games between them so far (winning one in regulation, losing the other in OT for a total of 3 points to 2). After such a horrible start, this would be absolutely huge. And in case you are wondering the last time we were in a playoff spot - you have to go all the way back to November 5 of last season.