For Maple Leafs core, sting of another missed opportunity may never disappear - Sportsnet.ca

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So much seemed to line up for the Maple Leafs during this pandemic season. They appeared to take all the necessary steps, before it all fell apart once again. That's why the sting of this loss may never completely disappear. (via reporterchris)

The interview then ended as abruptly as this once-promising season. It was unclear if Matthews was crying, but he was certainly growing emotional. And that was the only appropriate reaction after allowing this golden opportunity to pass.

And yet there was something so familiar in the way they lost, playing timidly until a costly goaltending error forced them to respond. This time it was Jack Campbell, who had an otherwise stellar series, rather than Frederik Andersen. But goaltending wasn’t the real issue here. Think about it: They are loaded with high-end talent, basically the main ingredient missing from the Canadiens roster, and should be able to overcome one error per game. Yet just like in last year’s play-in series loss to Columbus that error proved to be fatal.

“I had a lot of looks. I had a lot of nets that were empty that I just didn’t put into,” said Marner. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best player every single night. I felt that I wasn’t living up to my own standards and I’ve just got to make sure that it stops happening.” “It just didn’t go their way and the chances that they had and a night like tonight our entire team struggled to generate much.”

It’s why this series and the three straight losses to finish it won’t be easily forgotten. With due respect to the Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets, the path to the third round was clear and players like William Nylander , Alex Kerfoot and Jason Spezza provided big secondary contributions.

 

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reporterchris It's amazing how in a post mortem about the Leafs blowing a 3-1 series leaf Chris still manages to take at least 3 shots at the Habs and one at the Jets.

reporterchris

reporterchris No it won't. Only losers hang on to the past. Learn, adjust, move on.

reporterchris Maybe if Sportsnet stopped sucking it’s own teams 🍆 and having every hockey analyst pick them. It’s a bit of a conflict of interest to ever criticize the team that you and TSN owns. So you hype them up as if they are some holy team of destiny only to choke every year. Pathetic

EricEngels reporterchris They demanded big pay and once again they can't perform in playoffs, so is worth paying some players twice the money for a 3rd or 4th liner who plays with determination and heart

reporterchris Maybe having sportsnet and tsn telling them they are the best team in the world year round gets in their heads and makes them think they are better than they are. You guys call them a cup contender. They are not.

reporterchris Have to admit this one does sting...a lot. Season ended way too soon - again. Glass half full? Thanks Leafs for providing some great hockey during the regular season, in one of the toughest years we have ever experienced. LeafsForever

reporterchris I’ve seen a lot of Marners/Matthews choking moments, but not one post giving credit to MTL for shutting these guys down 🤷‍♂️

reporterchris Lost my damn coflow cause of these losers...

reporterchris 😂

reporterchris Problem with Toronto is that they were, are and always will be a loser organization. With the likes of the New York Jets, Cleveland brown’s. It doesn’t matter what they do, the result will always be an L

reporterchris It was honestly a pretty lazy effort.

EricEngels reporterchris Our fans actually thought we'd win the series

reporterchris prediction Leafs try to sign Phillip Daunault no choice now!

reporterchris Is it a ghost problem like some of the habs and sports analysis blame these 2 team haven't won the stanley cup in a while?

EricEngels reporterchris Montreal has had it's share of problems with Toronto in the past, this victory is just what the doctor ordered especially during a pandemic.

reporterchris And also the countless meltdowns during the regular season year after year. I love this team and always will but they literally find every way possible to lose games in dramatic fashion. 35 years as a hardcore fan, cant wait to see what next year brings lol. LeafsForever

reporterchris It may be time to tear up my 'leaf fan ' card. If they couldn't compete this year, I hold no illusions that its going to improve (in my lifetime anyway) Sorry leafs but you will have to find another way to over charge. My $'s are gone.

reporterchris They choked as usual. Their motto is In the end we will choke.

reporterchris It's all about character. The Leafs' best players have none. At the press conference, Campbell took responsibility for losing the series. Can you imagine that,1 bad goal and and bears the burden. Matthews and Marner didn't accept any responsibility for their pathetic performance

reporterchris This loss gooona age them and Leafs nation 5 years in 1 year after I already aged 5 year during the pandemic 😂😂😂😂😂

reporterchris Nylander, Mathews and Marner have no idea where the corners are on the rink. Terrified to go in there

reporterchris There seems to be a disconnect between Auston and mitch, I think auston is sick of baby mitch

reporterchris After watching the leafs get pasted into the boards for seven games it’s no wonder they gave up they are too soft for the playoffs

reporterchris This team is not going to win with paying those top 3 $10M plus. Dubas made an absolute mess of this roster

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