'Most disappointing part of the series': Craig Berube's Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff debut shrouded in tragedy as Game 7 collapse hurts

Time of India

19-05-2025

Craig Berube (via Getty Images)
Craig Berube
's first playoff push behind the
Toronto Maple Leafs
' bench ended much like those of his predecessors — in bitter disappointment. After a strong regular season performance, the Maple Leafs were swamped in a decisive Game 7 loss to the
Florida Panthers
, dropping a 6-1 decision at home in a defeat that raised more questions than answers about Toronto's core leadership group.
Toronto Maple Leafs suffer another playoff meltdown under Craig Berube as Florida Panthers sweep Game 7
Maple Leafs vs. Panthers LIVE Post Game 7 Reaction | Leafs Talk
The Toronto Maple Leafs' pursuit of post-season success is still beyond their grasp, even with a head coaching change. Craig Berube, whom the club hired to instill grit and discipline, witnessed his team implode in its most pivotal moment — a Game 7 at
Scotiabank Arena
— as they were outworked in energy, urgency, and execution by the Florida Panthers.
'To me, that's the most disappointing part of the series,' Berube admitted. 'I can't explain it, nor do I want to. We did a great job fighting for home ice all year and had a great record.
While they did take two elimination games — one in Ottawa and one on the road at Florida — the Leafs had nothing left in the tank for Game 7. Early defensive breakdowns and an inability to counter Florida's physical forecheck made the game impossible to rally from before the third period.
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Craig Berube then joins an expanding group of Toronto Maple Leafs head coaches to have steered respectable regular seasons only to fall short in the playoffs — a recurring pattern by Mike Babcock and Sheldon Keefe.
To add insult to the venom is the Leafs' blown 2-0 series lead and that they were one bounce away from capturing a 3-0 stranglehold in Game 3 OT. The Panthers instead responded with a harder and more dogged push.
Long-time defenseman
Morgan Rielly
summarized the sentiment in the locker room. 'That's what it feels like,' Rielly said. 'The real frustration is the Eastern Conference final starts in a couple of days. And we're not there.'
Also read:
Craig Berube backs Joseph Woll and team effort for Game 7
The Toronto Maple Leafs once more enter another uncertain and strained offseason. Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving will have no choice but to make difficult decisions, namely on the future of the "
Core Four
." The Game 7 defeat wasn't merely another playoff defeat — it was another episode in a frustrating cycle that fans and management alike are equally desperate to break.