Leafs reflect on failing to close out series at home in Game 5
An early first period lead is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Leafs to be able to close out the series on home ice. Unfortunately, it didn't last long as Tampa tied the game just a minute later. From there, it seemed to be all Tampa as they found another gear and were able to consistently hem the Leafs in their own zone and clog up the neutral zone to prevent the Leafs from generating rush chances. With the 4-2 loss last night, the Leafs are now 0-11 in elimination games, something that has clearly crept into the mind of Morgan Rielly.
"Always. Until it happens," said Rielly when asked if he was wondering what the team has to do to win one of these games.
John Tavares was a little more blunt in his response saying, "You try and get away a little bit and try not to put too much focus into it or whatnot. But you're not stupid either."
While Auston Matthews is doing his best to shake off the game 5 loss as quickly as he can saying, "There's nothing we can change about this one. We have a great opportunity and a great challenge ahead of us here Saturday.»
The Leafs will need to have a much better 60-minute effort Saturday in Tampa as they can't expect to be able to come back from another multi-goal deficit in the third period. They have yet to put together a full 60-minute game, and have certainly gotten lucky in Games 3 and 4.
