Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs have to be thinking that they’re experiencing a strange and cruel case of déjà vu.
That’s the feeling that many are likely having in the immediate aftermath of their club’s stunning 4-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.
The Senators have now won consecutive games in the series after having dropped the first three contests, and they’ve guaranteed they get to play at least one more time this season in front of the home fans at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Maple Leafs Fans Hope Another Meltdown Isn’t Inevitable
Immediately after the final horn sounded, Maple Leafs fans began expressing how uncomfortable they’ve become with the latest development in the series.
A frustrated fan kept his remarks short, saying, “Absolutely brutal.”
Absolutely brutal
— Negativ Plane (@SadnessPainx2) April 30, 2025
One fan said the club doesn’t deserve financial support from the fans, saying, “This group, and management don’t deserve a dime from this fanbase.”
Another fan kept his reaction short and simple, saying, “This team never ceases to amaze me in the worst ways possible.”
One Leafs fan blasted Toronto’s “Core Four” of players, saying, “This fan base deserves better. For nine years this hasn’t worked maybe the 3 coaches and dozens of assistants weren’t the problem. It has been and always will be the core four not showing up when it matters. No matter the additions [general manager Brad Treliving] makes.”
This fan base deserves better. For nine years this hasn’t worked maybe the 3 coaches and dozens of assistants weren’t the problem. It has been and always will be the core four not showing up when it matters. No matter the additions Treliving makes
— Manraj khaira (@Manrajkhaira3) April 30, 2025
Another fan had a lengthy response, ripping the organization as a whole:
“What an embarrassment tonight to the fans. Flat-footed. No passion or grit and players who look completely disengaged from the game. Why care? Why even dress for the team? This team isn’t going far if this team can’t get it together and play a full 60 minutes.”
Finally, this fan hoped head coach Craig Berube had strong words for the players afterward, saying, “I really hope Berube rips into these guys in the dressing room and to the media. Core guys playing like a bunch [of] frightened children. Softest core in franchise history.”
Despite having their three-game lead suddenly turn into a one-game advantage, Berube, the Maple Leafs’ coach who is in his first season in Toronto, doesn’t appear worried at all.
“I am not feeling anything. Our group was focused and ready to go,” he said. “I liked our start to the game. I thought our first period was good. I don’t sense that at all. We are up 3-2 in the series.”
The Maple Leafs will have their third straight chance to close things out when the two teams face one another in Game 6 on Thursday, May 1.