This Week In Sports: Leafs playoffs hopes cut short by historic rivals

BY MARCEL MARIAK

Despite their best efforts, the Maple Leafs got their playoff season cut short by their historic rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. With the rivals facing off in the playoffs for the first time since 1979, Toronto fans were looking forward to an entertaining showdown (and hopefully an eventual win to the series.)

Unfortunately, a series of injuries and unlucky situations resulted in the Leafs’ playoff run being cut short by the Habs.

In case you missed the games, here’s a recap of all seven.

Game 1
Game 1 was action-packed as the puck and momentum of the game changed hands frequently. With Montreal taking the lead in the first period, the Leafs were under pressure to make a comeback. They managed to regain control of their offence and tied the game late in the final minutes of the second period. With the game tied, both teams increased their pressure as they struggled for control of the puck and searched for the game-winning goal. Unfortunately for the Leafs, Montreal clinched Game 1 after Paul Bryon scored a spectacular shorthanded goal while sliding on his knees after getting tripped by a Toronto defender. Final score, 2-1 for the Habs.

To make matters worse, Maple Leafs’ captain, John Tavares collided with Montreal’s Corey Perry after getting body-checked and ended up leaving the ice on a stretcher.

Game 2
With the pressure mounting on Toronto to prevent Montreal from increasing their series lead, the Leafs went into Game 2 ready to perform. Despite their captain suffering a concussion and being unable to return to the ice indefinitely, the Leafs were still confident in their ability to stop Montreal.

From the first faceoff, the Leafs took the initiative. Mounting several scoring attempts within the starting minutes of the game, Toronto instantly put Montreal on its heels. Although Montreal managed to open the scoring midway through the first period, the Leafs quickly regained the offensive and would hold the pressure for the remainder of the game. Using their aggressive approach, the Leafs made quick work of their rivals, winning the game 5-1!

Game 3
With the series tied 1-1, the Leafs entered Game 3 looking to ride the momentum of their previously dominant performance and establish a lead in the series. Despite Toronto’s motivation, the Canadiens started the game with several promising attacks on the Leafs’ defensive line. As the first period wore on, the Leafs seemed to get into the groove of the game and the puck began switching hands more often. At this point, it was anyone’s game.

This time, the Leafs managed to open the scoring as William Nylander scored with twelve minutes left in the second period. Unfortunately, it only took the Habs six minutes to score a goal of their own and tie up the game. This time though, the Leafs refused to give up their lead for long as they mounted yet another attack to regain the lead in the final minutes of the second period.

Although the third period had a handful of interesting actions, it was fruitless for both teams. The Leafs won the game 2-1 and established their first lead of the series.

Game 4
Moving into the fourth game of the series, the Leafs were in no mood to ease the pressure. They were in the lead, had the advantage, and were looking to exploit every opportunity that came their way.

Although the first period was mostly uneventful in terms of scoring, the Leafs made an impact in the second period, scoring three goals to get a significant lead. Despite their comfortable position, the Leafs refused to ease the pressure going into the third period. Scoring yet another point, they silenced their rivals and ended the game with an impressive 4-0 score.

Game 5
As the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end. With the Leafs now leading the series 3-1, they only needed one more win to eliminate their rivals and move onto the next round of playoffs. Unfortunately, Montreal had other plans.

It was in Game 5 that the momentum switched hands and would remain that way for the remainder of the series. Although both teams made a valiant effort during regulation time by scoring three points each, Montreal scored the overtime golden goal to take Game 5 with a score of 4-3.

The Leafs didn’t know it yet, but this result spelled the beginning of the end for their playoff run. Things only went downhill from here.

Game 6
Game 6 was a special night for the Canadiens. For the first time in over a year, a limited number of fans were allowed to attend the game as lockdown restrictions eased up in Montreal. With their hometown “crowd” (if you can call it that) in the Bell Centre, the Habs were more motivated than ever to put on a show.

Despite this, the game got off to a slow start, with neither team able to capitalize for the first two periods of play.

Then, in the third period, the goals started rolling in. With both teams scoring two points in the final period, the game went into overtime. Once again, the Canadiens proved themselves better at handling the pressures of OT and scored a point to end the game 3-2. The series was now tied 3-3 and would be settled in a decisive Game 7.

Game 7
Game 7 also came with an interesting twist. Similarly to Game 6, 550 fully vaccinated healthcare workers were able to watch the game live at the Scotiabank Arena in Downtown Toronto. Unfortunately, the half-thousand fans were unable to help the Leafs secure a victory.

In a similar fashion to their previous game, the first period was scoreless as both teams failed to finish their attacks.

Moving into the second period, Montreal set the tone for the game by scoring two points and putting pressure on Toronto as the game moved into the final period of play.

In the third period, the Leafs became desperate and began attacking in rapid succession. Unfortunately, their efforts were fruitless as Habs goalie, Carey Price, stopped attempt after attempt to keep Montreal ahead.

With three minutes left in the game, Toronto pulled its goalie, which created an opportunity for Montreal to extend its lead with yet another goal. At this point, the writing was on the wall. Although the Leafs managed to score a point as the clock ran down, it was too little too late. The Leafs were defeated 3-1.

With that, the Leafs were sent on an unfortunate early vacation and have no choice but to hope for better luck next year. Montreal, on the other hand, has moved onto round two of the series and faces the Winnipeg Jets.