Wednesday night's Game 7 in Boston was arguably the biggest game for the Leafs franchise in well over a decade and after two periods, it looked like theLeafs would exercise their playoff demons.
Just like in 2013, though, they collapsed in the third period and were eliminated in Boston in heartbreaking fashion by the Bruins.
Leafs fans won't feel any better about the loss Thursday and if you're a fan of the Buds and are reading this post, fair warning it won't make you feel better either. In fact, it will only make you feel worse.
Salary Cap Era Sadness
Too soon? Too soon. Next year the Leafs will once again try and advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
Game 7 Blues
Frederik Andersen was a big reason why the Leafs were able to force a Game 7, but his outing Wednesday night was consistent was his career numbers in the seventh game of a series.
Andersen is now 0-3 in Game 7 with a goals against average well over 3 (13 goals against in those 3 games) and a save percentage well below .900.
Playoff First
37-year-old Ron Hainsey never made the playoffs before last season. He won the Cup with the Penguins and was undefeated in the postseason until this loss.
-5 is the Loneliest Number
Jake Gardiner had historically bad Game 7 as far as plus/minus is concerned. His -5 was tied an NHL record for the worst plus/minus in a Game 7.
Comeback Kids
If you're leading in a Game 7 against the Bruins, you shouldn't feel comfortable in the slightest. The Leafs know that better than any team.
Big Z Keeps on Rolling
Zdeno Chara is 41-year-old. Zdeno Chara led all skaters in ice time at 28:38 and was a +2.
Top Line Production
The Bruins' top line basically decided the series. In the three losses, the line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak was held off the scoresheet.
In Boston's four wins, though, that line combined for 30 points, 7 of which came in Game 7.
