Tampa defeats Toronto 4 games to 3

[JTmillerForA1stLOL]

The Toronto hockey media herd is already pushing the narrative that the boys fought hard and no big changes are needed.

That is one of Dubas's greatest strengths as a GM: self-preservation. He treats the hacks well and as a result they rarely criticize him.

As a casual Leafs hater I'd say this is pretty obvious. That's a pretty solid roster that got beat by a better team who happens to be the defending champs.

Big changes needed lol.....

 

[VinikToWinIt]

Toronto is legit. I fear for the East next year.

 

[BMOK33]

One reason I like TO tonight too was TB's surprising lack of experience in road game 7s...that roster I believe Maroon had the most experience...most others never played in one or the one they did play in was 2015 vs NYR. I felt to a degree that was going to hurt them, especially if they fell behind

 

[ReHabs]

The better team won and what's scary is how much better Tampa could've played.

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

My pleasure is immeasurable, and my evening is made.

 

[Felidae]

Congrats to the Bolts. That was very fun to watch as a neutral observer. Toronto was the more dangerous offensive force more often in the series imo. Tampa was calm under pressure and it seemed like they had it under control for the most part, but they barely came out on top by the end of it.

Admittedly wanted Tampa to win just a bit more, if only for Panthers to try their luck on getting revenge this postseason. Look forward to the rematch!

 

[Skate2Stick]

As much as I dislike the Leafs. I think there fanbase deserves to finally get out of the first round.

 

[Gizmo Tkachuk]

So when do we learn that there was an Amazon crew with Toronto again this year?

 

[Devonator]

Toronto only have Auston Matthews for 2 more years now. Of course he could re-sign, but will he after all this choking ?

With all due respect to Toronto, Matthews is gone back to the States when his time is done with the leafs....I think that is a fait accompli...

 

[Master P]

As much as I dislike the Leafs. I think there fanbase deserves to finally get out of the first round.

I agree. Just not against my team.

 

[stonecold316]

chin up leaf nation. you guys suck and will continue to.

 

[YearsintheWilderness]

Leaf narrative seems to be forming around “blame the refs” lol. What’s this group 0-10 in elimination games?? Matthew and marner not swearing it too hard tho they will fly to Cabo play a few rounds then hook up with bieber tour, not a bad summer.

That's the narrative for every Leafs loss in regular season and playoffs for a huge percentage of Leafs fans. It's really quite pitiful to witness.

 

[Just Rude]

Congrats Tampa fans. No excuses. Good luck vs the Cats.

 

[OilersFanatics505]

Right when the refs saved the Bolts asses.

Surprised it took til page 2 for someone to complain about the reffing.

 

[Reality Check]

Even Don Cherry is speechless at this point

 

[Devonator]

I wouldn’t go that far. I’d have Boston, Florida, and Carolina in the tier where it could to either way with the Leafs.

Agreed....even if the Leafs had won today I would have taken Florida or Carolina over them....I don't think the Bruins with their age could do so though....

 

[webersshot]

It's not quite to the point where it's no longer funny and it's just sad, but we're getting there.

Are you serious? If it wasnt at that point when they lost the 3rd game 7 to boston, it was absolutely beyond any shadow of a doubt there when they lost to the 18th played habs.

 

[Legend123]

But i thought this year was different

 

[pcruz]

This year nobody choked. They were beaten.

There’s a big difference.

I think TO beats any other team in the East.

I don't like the disallowed goal, not because it's the wrong call, but because the same play wasn't called all series long. But I can digest it because in a vacuum it is the right call.

However, the officials did just what I have been begging for these playoffs, allow the players to be the story.

Vasi stole the game.

Tampa was holding on for much of the game.

A 7 game series where the officiating is exactly like tonight and Toronto wins it 9/10 times.

Kerfoot, Engvall, Mikheyev cost the team the series, nobody else.

 

[zeke]

He faked it according to you so he should be good to go

True

 

[AussieBomberJet]

The sun is shining. It's a beautiful day

 

[34]

I called it from before the series even started that the leafs would get their asses handed to them as usual, and I was right again. They got destroyed in every aspect of the game. All the best to the Bolts moving forward. You deserve the win.

 

[CupsOverCash]

Congrats Tampa fans - If they 3peat and Toronto took them to the limit maybe all this talk about Toronto needing to blow everything up will calm down.

They really shouldn't. Vasi is a boss in game 7. People should know by now...

 

[zeke]

Surprised it took til page 2 for someone to complain about the reffing.

True should have been sooner.

 

[Canadiancon]

Ahahahahahahahahahahaha…. “This year feels different”