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Leafs pass Bruins for third in Atlantic after gutsy win against Columbus

Detroit Red Wings v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 07: Nazim Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal with Auston Matthews #34 and William Nylander #29 during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre on March 7, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Getty Images

It wasn’t pretty - especially if you’re disgusted by that Roman Polak hit - but the Toronto Maple Leafs keep generating big wins as a playoff return looks increasingly likely.

Toronto managed a 5-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, passing the Boston Bruins for third place in the Atlantic Division:

Maple Leafs: 83 points in 72 games
Bruins: 82 points in 73 games

This leaves the currently in-action New York Islanders four points behind the Bruins for the final wild card in the East.

The Maple Leafs aren’t just grabbing key points; they’re doing so against some strong opponents who’ve had plenty on the line, too. They beat a Metro contender in Columbus tonight, the Bruins on Monday, grabbed an OT point against Chicago on Saturday and handled the desperate Lightning last Thursday.

This game was all about William Nylander’s brilliant start:

And also Toronto surviving a long penalty kill after that Polak hit:

Nazem Kadri’s 30th goal really put the game out of reach, helping Toronto nab a significant victory.

The Blue Jackets can wallow in this defeat and Oliver Bjorkstrand’s injury, either, as they turn around to face the Washington Capitals in a big one tomorrow.