Capitals eliminate Leafs to close out first round

TORONTO A historic Toronto Maple Leafs season has come to an end.

Marcus Johansson stuffed his second goal of the game past Frederik Andersen six and a half minutes into overtime as the Washington Capitals edged the Leafs 2-1 in Game 6 on Sunday night — winning the series 4-2 with five of the six games decided in extra time.

“The loss is tough for sure, but when we got in here and looked at one another, there’s a lot of pride that can be taken,” said Toronto defenceman Morgan Rielly. “Each guy is motivated to be here, and work hard and make this team better because believe this is just the start. We have goals for the future, this is just a step in the right direction.

“We’re going to continue to grow, continue to get better and see how far we can take it.”

Johansson pulled Washington even at 1-1 with less than eight minutes to go in the third period after Auston Matthews broke a scoreless tie with his fourth goal of the series for Toronto.

Andersen was sharp with 34 saves, equalled by Holtby, who stopped 37-of-38 for the Caps. Washington will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round for the second straight spring.

The loss ends a memorable season for the Leafs. History was shattered often in Toronto this season, beginning with Matthews unprecedented four-goal NHL debut and concluding with a teardown of the team’s rookie record book — from goals, assists and points to powerplay points and ice-time.