What was once a 2-0 series lead for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Florida Panthers has spiralled into a 2-2 series tie. Not only did the Panthers earn a 5-4 victory over the Maple Leafs in Game 3 thanks to Brad Marchand’s game-winning goal, but they also managed to knot the series on Sunday evening on the back of a shutout effort from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers, who now have a new lease of life after losing both games in Toronto.
Leafs Fans Exasperated With Series Lead Disappearing
Following the loss, Maple Leafs fans on social media voiced their frustrations with Game 4’s final result and the series’ direction.
One fan spoke like an upset parent and said, “So disappointed in you.”
Another fan listed several issues plaguing the Leafs and wrote, “So basically all we gotta work on is our shooting, passing, scoring, goal tending, power play, and penalty kill.”
One Toronto fan expressed disappointment and spoke about how the team had gone from having a chance to dominate the series to being even-steven: “From being a goal away from a 3-0 series lead to now having the series tied at two is extremely depressing.”
One Leafs fan said, “Silent Night 💤💤💤 . That has been the theme with this team tonight for the 60 minutes of play. Where is the Passion and Grit? Woll deserved this win, and he played his heart out tonight. What a shame. Reset for the next game #LeafsForever #BringThePassion.”
One frustrated fan called out the performances of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews and wrote, “(It’s) gotta be a different group that shows up Wednesday, can’t be taking dumb penalties, and need to convert on your chances. Matthews and Marner need to show up big time.”
Another frustrated fan was upset that the Leafs wasted a fine performance from goaltender Joseph Woll and said, “Wasted a brilliant Woll game. The Leafs were outworked and outmuscled all game. Embarrassing effort.”
“So the highest paid player in the league continues to sputter & the guy that wants to be the highest paid didn’t get a single shot in Florida. Cool!” one NHL fan said while speaking about the game.
Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Credits Joseph Woll’s Performance
Despite the disappointing loss, one positive the Leafs can take with them is the performance of goaltender Joseph Woll, who has stepped in for Anthony Stolarz and did everything he could to help his club in their effort to win Game 4.
“He was great, I thought he played an excellent game,” Berube said. “He was a big reason it was only 1-0 (for most of the game).”
Woll finished with 35 saves on the 37 shots that Florida fired his way. There’s been no indication on whether Stolarz will be ready to go for Game 5. This could mean that Woll will have to continue holding down the fort for the Maple Leafs.