TORONTO – Better team.
A tougher opponent.
The same devastating finale.
The best version of these Toronto Maple Leafs lost a heartbreak 2-1 on home ice from Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday and saw its end again after the season in seven games or less.
The difference between this version, this defeat, is that they showed up and gave the two-time champions everything they could muster without falling behind in the series until it was all over.
“The Leafs have a great team,” said John Cooper of Tampa, who coaches a hell of a team. “And they’ve been knocking on the door for so long. That’s why such a big deal was made that they didn’t advance in the series – because they are a really good team.
“I think they grew up as a group. I think their stars are stars. And they have a really good team game and the coach does a great job. “
Indeed, the heads must be raised high.
And yet the same old result – First round and done – must have a familiar family taste.
Unlike previous games with decisive series, Maple Leafs were fast, busy and aggressive from the fall of the puck. They looked different. Better.
And their long-suffering fans have given them back that energy.
Even when Nick Paul – that former Ottawa senator who was bitten by a snake in all the series – found the result by hitting Ross Colton’s rebound after speed.
Toronto’s John Tavares seemed to equalize in the second period, but his clean shot was canceled due to the selection of Justin Hall, who gave the captain extra space in the slot.
After 19 minutes, speedy Morgan Rielly dashed past his marker, making plenty of room for the second wave of attack.
“Both teams have fucked each other a little on the ass. Both teams have mastered and continued to do so, “said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.
“We were right there with the successive champions and our boys gained a lot of confidence knowing they belonged at that moment.”
“It was the Counterpunch series.
Naturally, Paul struck again, restoring the visitors’ lead with a decisive blow through TJ Brodie.
“He may not be the big man. It could be someone you’ve never heard of doing something to take us to the next level, “said Corey Perry of Tampa in a match at 7 a.m.
“Names are made here. If you show up for Game 7, you will be remembered. ”
2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs should be remembered as a team that gave the champions everything they had. One that took a step into maturity, aggression and confidence, if not in the bracket.
Tragically for this frightened city, they will also be remembered as another talented group that ultimately failed to achieve the thing when it was most important.
“The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. That’s true, “said Cooper, whose more experienced team has benefited from both.
“You work so hard to put yourself in this situation that it’s extremely difficult when you lose. But heck, it’s exciting when you win. ”
The speed of the fox 5
• Braden Point fell awkwardly on the board in the first period, twisting his right leg as he overtook Mark Giordano to the puck. In terrible pain, the star striker immediately left the game. Point tried boldly to make a change in Period 2, but barely managed to skate.
• Maple Leafs have scored zero playoff goals in their last seven games in an attempt to win a playoff series. They had three options to end this drought on Saturday.
• Keefe’s speech before the game:
• An orderly piece of business from Julien BreezeBois, who is hiring Nick Paul from the Senators to choose from the fourth round plus RFA pending Mathieu Joseph.
After 14 points in 21 games of the regular season for the Bolts, Paul was notable every night in his debut playoff series. He had two equal assists and 10 shots before scoring his first two playoff goals of his career on Saturday.
• Vassilevski’s ridiculous series of five consecutive breaks in Tampa’s matches is over.
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