TORONTO, ON – Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs’ veteran defenseman, found himself in a whirlwind of emotions and events during Game 3 against the Florida Panthers, like his team’s fortune on this roller-coaster night. At one point, he was on the wrong end of an ‘own goal,’ and hours later, he was an overtime hero – with a decisive assist.

Rielly’s game was a microcosm of the Maple Leafs’ night. They started strong, leading 2-0 midway through the first period. But a see-sawing matchup saw them blowing leads and conceding opportunistic goals – none more bizarre than the one Rielly involuntarily contributed to.

In what could be straight out of a soccer highlight reel, Aleksander Barkov’s shot deflected off Rielly’s blade and into Toronto’s net, tying the game at 2-2. “Stuff happens,” Rielly said, philosophically. “It’s not just this series. It’s kind of happening all over the playoffs.”

Rielly made amends in the third period, his shot from near the boards deflecting off Seth Jones and into the net to tie the game 4-4. Alas, David Marchand’s overtime goal, aided by a Rielly deflection, broke Toronto’s hearts and sent them into a 3-1 series hole.

Rielly’s career has witnessed the highs and lows of Toronto’s playoff campaigns. He’s been part of four consecutive first-round exits before this year’s series win against Ottawa. In a testament to his resilience, he’s faced – and overcome – adversity before.

Toronto’s mental fortitude has been tested in these playoffs. Against Ottawa, they bounced back from a third-period deficit to win Game 6, 4-2. In Game 2 against the Panthers, Mitch Marner scored the go-ahead goal just 17 seconds after Florida tied it, securing a 4-3 victory.

These aren’t the Maple Leafs of old. “No matter how many times you literally and figuratively get knocked down, you have to stay the course,” coach Craig Berube preached. Now, it’s time to put that to the test again.

Goalkeeper Jeremy Woll was shaky in Game 3, struggling with angles, mishandling pucks, and conceding juicy rebounds. He’ll need to improve for the Maple Leafs to stay in the series. “You just shake it off,” Woll said. “Bounces go both ways. That’s hockey.”

History suggests that Toronto could crumble under the pressure, but the optimism surrounding this new MAPLE LEAFS squad is palpable. They’ve shown resilience and fight. But will it be enough to overcome a 3-1 series deficit?

We’re about to find out if these Maple Leafs are indeed different. If nothing else, one thing is clear: Morgan Rielly will stand tall in the face of adversity.

A: Rielly has played 873 regular-season games and 66 in the postseason since joining the Maple Leafs in 2013.

Q: How many playoff series has Toronto won with Rielly on the roster?

A: Before this year’s series win against Ottawa, the Maple Leafs had only won one playoff series since 2004.

With Game 4 looming, the Maple Leafs faithful need to rally behind their team more than ever. Will these Maple Leafs overcome the challenge? Only time will tell. What’s clear is that Morgan Rielly and his teammates won’t go down without a fight. So, keep your eyes on the puck, Toronto! The season’s still in your hands.

Leave your thoughts and predicts in the comments below, Leafs Nation, and let’s keep this conversation going. And don’t forget to explore more of 247Sports’ exclusive content for the latest in NHL news, analysis, and insights.