TORONTO – Nick Dasovic seemed somewhat at ease following his Toronto's 3-2 loss to San Jose on Saturday, especially considering the defeat seriously jeopardizes the Reds' playoff hopes.
Despite the dropped points, the interim coach credited his team for its fight.
“The players, they played well in terms of they fought right to the end,” Dasovic said. "They tried and we had chances, but we just couldn’t put them away, and that’s the way things go."
The loss keeps Toronto seven points behind Colorado for the final playoff spot.
WATCH: Full match highlights
For a while, it appeared the game would be full of missed opportunities. But after a single goal in the first half, both teams exploded for four in the first 33 minutes of the second period.
“If you look at the chances, I talked to Frank [Yallop, San Jose coach] after the game and it could have been 6-6," Dasovic said. "It was just wide open.
“We didn’t take our chances," Dasovic added. "Jacob [Peterson] had that little last chance there alone on goal and didn’t finish it — but hey, that’s what happens and when things aren’t your way. They don’t seem to go in anyway.”
If Seattle defeat Toronto at BMO Field next Saturday, that will mathematically end the Reds' chances of making the playoffs.
“Obviously, it’s getting harder, games are running out," Dasovic said, "but I just told them I’m proud of the way they reacted all the way right to the end."
