TORONTO — Following the game in Toronto, coach Craig Berube was speechless, star player Auston Matthews offered no excuses, and teammate Mitch Marner was focused on moving past the defeat.
The scene at Scotiabank Arena was grim, marked by sparse attendance, audible boos from the remaining fans, and even a few jerseys thrown onto the ice in frustration.
In the span of just one week, the Toronto Maple Leafs have seen their comfortable position evaporate, now facing the imminent threat of elimination.
They are left with a single chance to rescue their season and restore their reputation.
Demonstrating their championship caliber, the Florida Panthers delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday, soundly defeating Toronto 6-1 to claim a 3-2 advantage in their second-round playoff series.
“It`s difficult to explain,” commented Berube, who was hired last spring specifically to help the skilled but underperforming Leafs roster overcome their playoff struggles.
“We all need to improve, myself first and foremost.”
