Let`s face it, this wasn`t entirely unexpected. This version of the Toronto Maple Leafs team seems prone to facing significant crises during their playoff runs. Their substantial 6-1 defeat at home to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday has pushed them alarmingly close to collapse.
Historically, the Maple Leafs have a strong record when leading a best-of-seven series 2-0, winning 16 out of 19 such situations in franchise history, including all 11 that began at home. In contrast, the Florida Panthers have never recovered from losing the first two games in a seven-game series, holding an 0-for-5 record.
It was anticipated that the Maple Leafs, under coach Craig Berube, would be better equipped to handle the constant pressure from the Panthers. However, Toronto inadvertently played directly into Florida`s strategy on Wednesday by being careless with possession. The Maple Leafs allowed the Panthers to score two goals just moments after turnovers. A particularly costly error was Mitch Marner`s risky blind backhand pass in the neutral zone, which directly resulted in Jesper Boqvist scoring the first playoff goal of his career.
Tristan Blackwood