Morgan Rielly says he understands Leafs’ fans frustrations after another Game 7 loss

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly felt that failing to keep things in check during the second period was what made the difference in Game 7.

In what was viewed as one of the most important games in recent franchise history, the Leafs were demolished 6-1 for a second straight home game and were outclassed by the reigning Stanley Cup champions in every aspect of the game. While there were moments where it looked like they could spark some positive momentum, a six-minute stretch where the Panthers scored three unanswered goals spelled doom on Toronto’s postseason aspirations.

“Obviously there was a period there where they get three. We’re not able to weather the storm or push back,” Rielly said after the game. “ In there somewhere is, is a pretty crucial part of the game. It obviously played a big role in that one.”

While Max Domi was able to provide the faithful at Scotiabank Arena a glimmer of hope early in the third period, it was quickly snuffed out less than a minute later to put the game out of reach. Fans grew restless with rains of boos while throwing a bunch of jerseys and beer cups on the ice both during a stoppage of play and even during the action.

When asked about the circus that unfolded during the third period, Rielly said he understands the frustrations of the fans and knows they deserved better.

“ No one’s given up. Obviously tonight, it’s a bad night.  We feel extremely disappointed,” he said. “That’s how it feels, you know? I don’t think it’s ’cause people don’t care. I think it’s – I don’t know what exactly – but I just don’t think we had our best stuff in the most important game of the season. That’s unacceptable, and that’s sort of what you get if that’s the case.”

Rielly is the current longest-serving player on the roster and has seen all of the ups and downs this era has experienced, and it’s evident that it’s taking its toll on him when he admitted that it’s frustrating having to repeat his phrases expressing disappointment at not advancing to the next round.

While there will be plenty of time to dwell on this latest shortcoming, Rielly says that he and his team will need to keep their internal belief if they hope to one day finally break through in the playoffs.

“ I mean, that’s how it feels right now,” Rielly said, when asked if he felt the Leafs let the Panthers off the hook in the series. “Everything bad that you feel at the end of the playoff series is how it feels right now.  Whether that’s you feel like you didn’t play your best in the last game, or you let him off the hook, or you had him in a position where you could have gone up. But some of the guys spoke, and they’re all unhappy with the outcome.”