vs Columbus

The blue and white decided that a two-goal deficit was the only way to make things interesting, allowing Dmitri Voronkov and Adam Fantilli to treat the Scotiabank Arena ice like a casual Sunday skate. Because nothing says "Stanley Cup contender" like making a Columbus offensive surge look like a highlight reel, the team waited until the game was nearly half over to actually participate. Naturally, the comeback was sparked by none other than Dakota Mermis, because when the high-priced superstars are busy finding their rhythm, it is only fitting for a journeyman defenseman to be the one to provide a pulse.

John Tavares eventually dragged the game into a tie during the third period, providing just enough hope to ensure the eventual disappointment would sting with maximum efficiency. Despite matching Columbus shot-for-shot, the extra frame ended with Fantilli scoring his second of the game to seal the deal and send everyone home questioning their life choices. It is the classic Toronto experience: fighting back just hard enough to secure a "loser point" and a collective sigh of frustration. Somewhere, a parade route planner is once again hovering their mouse over the "delete" key.