Sports Columnist Dave Feschuk
optimistic outlook for game 6: historical precedent indicates that the Leafs often secure victories when public sentiment turns against them
A Toronto-based sports scribe, Dave Feschuk pennes thought-provoking pieces for The Star. Connect with him on Twitter: @dfeschuk
The latest hiccup for the Maple Leafs – a humiliating 6-1 loss to the Panthers – has left its playoff season hanging by a thread, and the five-year Shanaplan era gasping for breath. But if there's a shred of hope for the Leafs, it's their peculiar knack for rising from the ashes. Despite their history of playoff disappointments, the team tends to come alive when counted out, defying expectations with at least a win or two.
One year ago, the Leafs were booed off the ice after Game 4 against the Bruins, plunging them 3-1 behind in their first-round tilt. Reporters were ready to eulogize the Core Four, as the video evidence of on-bench arguments between William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Auston Matthews surfaced. Yet, when all seemed lost, the Leafs clawed back victories in Games 5 and 6, only to eventually falter in Game 7.
Two seasons ago, the Leafs faced the Panthers in the second round as favorites before crashing to earth. Trailing 3-0 in the series, the Leafs mustered credible play in Games 4 and 5, ultimately falling to the eventual Stanley Cup finalists.
In 2018, once again, the Leafs fought back from a 3-1 deficit against the Bruins, forcing a Game 7. The pattern is familiar: The Leafs have a knack for prolonging series, though they rarely go on to win them.
There's no reason to believe their strategies will change this season. So, as they prepare for Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena, a victory is all they need to keep their season alive. It may not be easy, but history suggests a Leafs win wouldn't be a huge surprise.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice was quick to remind his team of their past mistakes, highlighting the perils of overconfidence. "We thought we learned [our lesson] two years ago, and then forgot it for three straight games in the final last year," Maurice said. Yet, the same Panthers had squandered a 3-0 lead in the Stanley Cup final last year, so their focus, for now, remains uncertain.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe blamed his team's defeat on overthinking, which has an unsettling history of crippling the Leafs. If this toxic pattern of self-doubt persists, the team may have a hard time finding their footing. But if they can channel their resilience and focus on the game rather than the outcome, they might surprise everyone yet again.
Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data, and events. More details
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a history of resilience, particularly in the playoffs. While they have not achieved the same level of comeback in recent years as in the past, their legacy of surmounting adversity remains significant.
Notable Comeback: 1942 Stanley Cup Finals
In 1942, the Toronto Maple Leafs became only the second team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Finals, eventually claiming the title against the Detroit Red Wings. Led by Syl Apps and Sweeney Schriner, the Leafs won the series 4-3. The historic comeback was aided by the suspension of Detroit's coach Jack Adams, who was absent for the final three games of the series.
- Dave Feschuk, a sports columnist based in Toronto, frequently shares insightful opinions about the Leafs' unique ability to rise from the ashes, even after facing significant playoff setbacks.
- In light of the Leafs' 6-1 loss to the Panthers, discussion about their resilience is once again at the forefront, as a victory in Game 6 could keep their playoff season alive.
- The Leafs have a strong history of prolonging series, even when they appear to be at a disadvantage, as was the case in 2018 when they forced a Game 7 against the Bruins.
- The media and public opinion continue to question the Leafs' ability to win series, despite their propensity for dramatic comebacks, such as their 1942 Stanley Cup final victory against the Detroit Red Wings, becoming only the second team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 deficit.
