Maple Leafs eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Sharks

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal in nearly three months and the San Jose Sharks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.

Collin Graf, William Eklund and Adam Gaudette also scored and Alex Nedeljkovic made 18 saves.

San Jose, which had the worst record in the NHL last season, is fighting for a wild-card spot in the crowded Western Conference. The Sharks haven’t made the playoffs since 2018-19.

The loss also mathematically eliminated the Maple Leafs from playoff contention.

Sharks star Macklin Celebrini, who had nine points in his previous three games, was scoreless on three shots.

John Tavares scored a power-play goal for Toronto. The Maple Leafs have lost two of three on a four-game trip.

Maple Leafs: At Los Angeles on Saturday.

Sharks: Host Nashville on Saturday night.

— With files from Sportsnet Staff