Leaf Fans Cheer as Toronto Wins Their Way Out of Tavares Sweepstakes

In the opening minutes of the third period, Leaf fans couldn't help themselves.

With the score versus the Ottawa Senators tied at 2-2, their passion overwhelmed them.

"Go Leafs Go" the fans screamed and the Leafs responded.

Hagman stormed the Sens net and scored a goal that ensured the Leafs will sit quietly and watch the L.A. Kings and Phoenix Coyotes pick ahead of them on draft day. 

What's worse is the Leafs ensured they wouldn’t have the possibility of winning the draft lottery and having a shot at John Tavares.

Leaf Nation enthusiasm over yet another in the team's' traditional "play strong when it don't matter" end of season is predictable, but sad. Toronto, the home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has not made the playoffs for five-years. 

To be fair, this year's Leafs were a more entertaining team than previous years and they did give a strong effort.

Despite Brian Burke's efforts, their short-term prospects remain much weaker than the also-rans that have been missing the playoffs along with them.

Of course, as a Leaf fan…there is always next year.