By DAVE MCCARTHY

Through two periods last night against the New York Islanders, the Leafs dominated – except on the scoreboard.

Despite outshooting the Islanders 24-11, the score was only 1-0 Leafs to begin the third.

Given the fragility the Leafs have displayed lately, it wasn’t the most comfortable of scenarios, where just one mistake could lead to the Isles drawing back into a tie.

But there was no collapse in the third. Instead, the Leafs were buoyed by their dynamic duo – Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul – teaming up to generate an insurance goal, followed by Matthew Lombardi’s second goal of the game.

When the Islanders did challenge, Jonas Gustavsson, who is making Brian Burke’s pursuit of him in the summer of 2009 seem smarter with each start, was there to shut the door. He made 14 stops in the third and 25 overall for his third shutout of the season.

The win moved the Leafs into a tie with Washington for the last playoff spot in the East and widened the gap to nine points between themselves and the Islanders.

Simply put, the Leafs couldn’t have asked for a better result last night. But unless they can find away to improve their record with another win over the Islanders tonight, all that could change, especially with both the Capitals and Jets in action tonight as well.

Dave’s Pick: Leafs (Season Record: 19-21)

Dave McCarthy writes and co-hosts A Foot in the Crease: A Hockey Podcast.
Follow him on twitter, @DaveAMcCarthy