Toronto Maple Leafs: Close, But No Cigar

The Series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals was been everything but boring. It was anticipated it would be a close one, and while the leafs maintained the pressure it wasn’t enough to make it to a Game 7.

Game 6 – the moment of truth, and a do or die situation for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Washington Capitals. It is evident that everyone has underestimated the leafs as they have kept up with the Capitals in this series, with all but one game going to overtime.

Game 6

In Game 5, the Leafs only had 25 shots in the game. Obviously this had to change.

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In Game 6, they started taking more shots at the net in the first period. They initiated the tactic of getting pucks to the net and hoping for a lucky bounce.

Thankfully for the Leafs, this resulted in the first goal of the game by Auston Matthews. The sense of urgency with the team was present, after lacking in Game 5.

Frederik Andersen without a doubt kept the Leafs in the game, making some spectacular saves when he needed to. Something else that was lacking in Game 5.

Unfortunately, we know how the Leafs are at keeping leads, and as expected Washington tied up the game. But the Leafs maintained the pressure in the dying minutes of the game, which was significant.

Overtime Once Again

It wouldn’t be the same if another game wasn’t in OT. Nerve racking, tear jerking and exciting.

All the emotions were at stake. However, for those who missed the game The Toronto Star concluded that:

"“Marcus Johansson scored to force overtime, and then the series winner in OT, as the Washington Capitals advanced to the second round with a 2-1 win Sunday night over the Maple Leafs, eliminating the plucky, young Toronto team in six games.”"

Despite how close the game was, what the Leafs lacked was maintaining possession out of their own zone. They were constantly in their zone and had trouble getting the puck out.

One signifying element the Leafs could have improved on in this series, was scoring on the powerplay. But it is evident the Leafs did all they could do against the big men on campus.

Next: Toronto Marlies' Quest for the Calder Cup

It was hard to see the Leafs lose. However, considering how far they have come and how they made it a tight series, I’m sure as much as fans are disappointed, they must also be proud and excited for the coming years.