I am going to say the same thing i said in 2013. (I can't believe those words are going to come out of my mouth, but hey. It's the Leafs.)
You had 3 chances to hold on to this game. three. And you let it blow away. We can throw blame at whomever we want, but I don't think that's the point.. The point is what are you going to do about it. We know what happened five years ago, they basically wilted under the pressure and things had to be blown apart.
You can let this game define you, or you can take this embarrassment (which you should) and let this be what you burn the NHL next year. It's your choice.
and on the 2018 point.
I think Hubris came and gave a right ole smack to Auston Matthews, and a lot of the other players on this team, a well deserved one. (now people will quibble and go - "well this is why people don't talk to the media." well he didn't have to say anything. his play spoke for him, and people can talk about his chances etc - I am sorry great players find a way to get through it. He's injured and he gets a mulligan (a small) one but he was not good enough. SO no, Matthews, "Learning time is not over." and yes "S---t happens." What are you going to do about it next year, because now, no one will care about your points totals next year. Every eye will be on you game 1 next year.
A good team (and that's what they are, remember that in your disappointment), went home today.
but they went home today because they refused to seize the moment.
they went home because they were arrogant and never really applied lessons being taught.
they went home because you know management goofed up.
I expect a lot of hard reflection (by the team) and some difficult (and necessary) moves done by management.
Then we'll see.
but right now I can't even with this team. I can't.
