Game five, could anybody predict what the outcome would be ?
The Florida Panthers started early off the power play. A series of fine stops from rookie goalie Joseph Woll off some wicked scrambles kept it tied. But a 3:32, on that same PP, Aaron Ekblad put Florida ahead. Woll was the first Leaf goalie since Felix Potvin (1993) to win his rookie debut. His 24 saves in game four were assisted by 21 blocked shots by his comrades. The Leafs had a couple of first period PP attempts themselves but could not convert. Long ago Leaf reject Carter Verhage scored his third on the short side to make it 2-0 after one.
The Toronto Maple Leafs got back into this thing, just as most were writing their OBIT. A cheap ass Morgan Reilly deflection bounced in at 12:50 to keep the SCOTIABANK faithful engaged. Pretty even after that, but you could tell Leafs Nation was bringing it. The Leafs apparent 2-2 goal was called off after several inconclusive angles at the 2:49 mark.
A very tough third period began with lots of “payback” hits and general nastiness. William Nylander scored at 4:26 to make things interesting. Woll was great as was his counterpart Bobrovsky to finish off regulation at twos. Afterall the shots were 50-40.
In Overtime, the Leafs dominated to start bur Florida were right back in their face. A painful TJ Brodie penalty generated 3 shots but the Leafs stood tall. My former student Nick Cousins, put away the series with a scramble shot that counted.
Another Leafs season lost to inconsistent, inept play. Who will the fingers be pointed at first ?
HOPPER NOTES: Must be spring, the Leafs are out – etc etc. It has been my pleasure to report on these Leafs games this past season. This is my boyhood team. I did my best to remain impartial. This series has allowed me to connect with old pals and new ones. I really thought Kyle Dubas had built his best version this year – but it was not to be. I told my old pal Glennie that I was going to take the summer to think about returning as hopperonhocky.ca
It’s just SO heart-breaking ! I hope you all will now get back to your gardens and your golf swings and all the wonderful things that summer brings – CHEERS !