For the Toronto Maple Leafs and their dedicated fanbase, another playoff season has ended in bitter disappointment.
After reigniting hope with a crucial Game 6 victory on the road against the Florida Panthers in their second-round series, the Maple Leafs returned home for the deciding game on Sunday night. However, they were completely outplayed by the reigning champions.
The Panthers secured a dominant 6-1 win in Game 7 at Scotiabank Arena, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final. Meanwhile, the frustrated Toronto team skated off the ice to a chorus of boos from the disappointed home crowd.
The game slipped away from the Maple Leafs in the second period when the Panthers scored three quick goals. Toronto was fortunate not to be down 4-0 heading into the second intermission, saved by a disallowed Florida goal.
Max Domi managed to score for Toronto early in the third period, offering a brief moment of hope, but Eetu Luostarinen responded less than a minute later, effectively crushing any possibility of a comeback.
This latest defeat marks the ninth consecutive post-season the Maple Leafs have been eliminated in either the first or second round.
For a team that many felt was finally built for deep playoff success, Sunday`s result served as yet another painful setback for the long-suffering franchise.
Tristan Blackwood