Breaking: Maple Leafs Blow Series Lead, Fall 4-0 to Senators in Game 5; Series Now Tied 3-2
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Maple Leafs’ Loss to Senators in Game 5: A Turning Point or Just Déjà Vu?
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Another Opportunity Slips Away
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs, once again, found themselves on the wrong side of history as the Ottawa Senators handed them a 4-0 defeat in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. The Leafs still lead 3-2, but their inability to close out the series is becoming a familiar narrative.
Toronto’s ‘Big Five’ — Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly — have now combined for a paltry 1 goal in the 12 games where the Leafs could’ve advanced in the playoffs. The core’s lack of production when it matters most is raising serious questions about their status as bonafide contenders.
Ullmark’s Shutout, Sens’ Defense Spark a Shakeup
Linus Ullmark stood tall for the Senators, stopping all 27 shots he faced to secure his first playoff shutout. The Leafs couldn’t solve his newfound form, even on the power play. Ottawa’s defense was dominant, led by the impressive Jake Sanderson.
Linus Ullmark’s 27-save shutout highlights in Game 5! 💪 pic.twitter.com/57pvhr5DMP
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators)
“It’s just showing what our team identity is, just resilience,” said Brady Tkachuk. “It starts with Ullmark. He’s a leader in that way. His true self comes out when our back’s against the wall, and it gives us so much confidence in front of him.”
Leafs’ Stars Struggle, Fans Frustrated
The Leafs had their chances, but missed passes, poor execution, and a noticeable tension permeated their game. The usually raucous Scotiabank Arena crowd grew quiet as the game slipped away, their frustration evident in the boos midway through the third period.
Coach Craig Berube’s message to his team after the game was simple yet poignant: “Stick with it. We’re up 3-2 in the series. It’s playoff hockey. There’s a lot of ups and downs. We have to stay composed and stay poised.”
Sanderson’s Dominance, Cozens’ Short-Handed Goal Seal the Deal
Jake Sanderson was a game-changer for the Senators, suppressing Toronto’s high-powered offense and limiting their most dangerous players, Mitchell Marner and Auston Matthews.**** Meanwhile, Dylan Cozens’ short-handed goal proving to be the game-winning strike.
Dylan Cozens scores shorthanded 🚨 pic.twitter.com/aXCNTgIxsY
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators)
Did you know? The Maple Leafs have now gone 1-12 in games they should’ve closed out a series since the 2021-22 season. That’s three consecutive years of playoff disappointment despite their formidable talent. Something’s got to give.
Power Play Woes and Core Ineffectiveness
The Leafs’ once-potent power play has been MIA lately, going 0-for-7 in the last two games. It didn’t help when they allowed a short-handed goal after being gifted a man-advantage. The Big Five’s inability to take control of games is prompting serious questions about their ability to lead the team to a championship.
Pro Tip: With the series headed back to Ottawa, the Leafs must rediscover their composure and hold on to the puck longer, rather than forcing plays and turning the puck over.
Looking Ahead: Can the Leafs Break the Cycle?
The trend of the Maple Leafs’ playoff struggles is clear, but is it finally time for a change? With their season on the line, they’ll need to dig deep and find a way to break this cycle. The talent is there, but it’s up to the players and the coaching staff to translate that into wins when it matters most.
FAQ
- Why are the Leafs struggling to close out series? It’s a combination of factors, including tension, indecision with the puck, and the inability of their star players to take over games.
- Can the Leafs still win the series? Absolutely. They’re up 3-2 and have shown they can win in Ottawa ( Games 1 and 2).
- Who’s been Ottawa’s X-factor? Goaltender Linus Ullmark and defenseman Jake Sanderson have been standout performers for the Senators.
Time will tell if the Maple Leafs can finally flip the script and clinch this series. But one thing’s for sure: they can’t afford another missed opportunity.
(Photo: Kevin Sousa / NHLI via Getty Images)
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