Maple Leafs

[waf]

Another year ends in disappointment. Decent game and was enjoyable to watch. Just didn't like the outcome.

[mooneyes]

Today marks the 29th consecutive year Hab's fan celebrate the Leaf's not winning the cup.

[cjb]

screw winning the cup. Just try getting out of the first round

[pwskelly]

The Leafs played a very good opponent in the opening round and have nothing to be ashamed of.

Let's face it, if Tampa Bay goes on to win the cup, it would not be a shocker. They are the back-to-back champs and except for a few role players, the main characters and supporting cast are still in place. I would think they remain one of the favourites to win the cup again this year.

For whatever reason, the Leafs cannot overcome the game 7 jitters. I think a big part of this starts with their star players. Watching Matthews and Marner play last night, I got the impression that they were happy to be there but there was no sense of urgency in their game until the end. McDavid by comparison, seemed driven, right from the opening face-off with his big hit on Durzi. Think about it, that's the league's leading scorer laying the body on someone seconds into the game. What a way to make a statement. There is no way that did not inspire the rest of the Oilers to lay it on the line last night. Draisaitl was also out there, in obvious pain and discomfort, however he was still chasing down every puck and going into the corners trying to make plays. It just seemed that Edmonton's leaders played like their lives were on the line while the Leafs' best were "just there" in body but not spirit.

Matthews played well, but McDavid played like he was possessed. As Draisaitl said it in his post game remarks, you could see it in his eyes, Connor was not going to be denied. Until Matthews plays like that in the playoffs, I cannot see the Leafs ever advancing to the second round.

[mooneyes]

Vasilevskiy was the main difference.
I wouldn't change much about the Leafs after the season they just had.

Wish I had a Vassy YG or 10...

[Cunnuc]

I wouldn't agree about Marner and Matthews not having a sense of urgency until the end. The opening 5 minutes alone was amazing. But so was Vasilevskiy.

I wouldn't change much of anything about the Leafs right now. If they make nothing of it again next season then year there should be some changes.

[creasecollector]

Vasi was the difference maker for sure in Game 7. The dude stole the game and we lost playing our hearts out. A tough loss for sure, but stings less than a total collapse would have.

Next year.

[WillyC]

as I watch Tampa dominate Florida in round 2... I keep flashing back to game 6 where we came back from 2-0 for the second game in a row... then took the lead 26 seconds later, with 7 seconds left before the 3rd period.

Just one period to go, continue to play our game and the 2 time defending Champs are sent packing... then the 2 high sticking penalties lost it for us.

Game 7... Tampa shut it down and Nick Paul was a game 7 hero.

[Devlin]

at least the leafs have a pretty good base for the near future. Not so sure about the B's

[Cunnuc]

Very good chance Toronto will play Tampa again next year in the first round. Or Florida or Boston. That's just the reality and the way the divisions are set up.

Tampa is a very play-off experienced team. Just look at what they're doing to a better team in the regular season but no play-off experience.