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5 things we learned from the Maple Leafs’ first-round loss to the Bruins

By Simon Vacca

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Auston Matthews
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Auston Matthews /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Mitchell Marner
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Mitchell Marner /

1. The series was a missed opportunity, but they’re still ahead of schedule

Let’s face it: Game 7 was one heck of a missed opportunity. The Leafs had three separate leads, but choked away a perfect chance to slay their dragon. No team wants to lose, especially in this fashion.

Disappointing? You bet. Time to panic? Far from it.

The Bruins found the back of the net seven times in the final game of the series — each of which was more painful than the last. But in moments like these, it’s easy to forget that the Buds are still ahead of schedule.

For each of Boston’s seven goals, consider the following points of reflection. Hopefully they provide some much needed perspective.

  1. We’re only beginning to see what Dermott, Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson can do.
  2. Speaking of young guns, the Toronto Marlies finished first overall in the AHL and are in the process of competing for the Calder Cup.
  3. Andersen is a top-tier goaltender. Curtis McElhinney is a top-tier backup. Garret Sparks, starting netminder for the Marlies, is a top-tier backup to the backup. He’s expected to crack the Leafs’ lineup in the not-so-distant future.
  4. Rielly keeps getting better and better. Not only as a player, but also as a leader. At the very least, he should be closely considered for the “C”. (Then we can call him Captain Morgan!)
  5. Marner is a magician. ‘Nuff said.
  6. The future of van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Leo Komarov and Matt Martin is still unclear, but the Leafs have tremendous depth on offense. Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Brown, Hyman, Johnsson, Kapanen, Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau can all tally points. Carl Grundstrom, Miro Aaltonen and other elements of the Marlies’ offensive core look promising.  Expect further additions to the team in the offseason.
  7. Not so long ago, the Leafs finished 30th overall. Then they were 14th. Now they’re sixth. The Buds’ exit from the playoffs wasn’t a pretty one, but these Leafs are here to stay. The future is as bright as a star. Trust the process. Believe in the Shanaplan.

NEXT: All 30 NHL Franchises Ranked By All-Time Greatness

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