Morgan Rielly says Maple Leafs need to improve competitiveness and execution in Game 6

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Alex Hobson | Last updated May 15, 2025 10:45 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs left their fans in a dark place following an embarrassing effort in Game 5 against the Florida Panthers, getting blown out on home ice 6-1 with a chance to take the series lead.

The Leafs aren’t eliminated yet, but the vibes in the media circle and on social apps would have you believe otherwise. Call it an overreaction if you want, or call it an effect of years of this team and core floundering in key moments when the playoffs come around. It’s probably a combination of both.

Defenceman Morgan Rielly has been around for all of it. He was a black ace for the infamous Game 7 collapse to the Boston Bruins in 2013, and he’s been around for every single playoff run in the Auston Matthews/Mitch Marner era. Rielly was asked following Game 5 what the Leafs would need to take Game 6 and force a Game 7 at home, and he kept his answer short and sweet.

Morgan Rielly on what the Leafs need to bounce back in Game 6: “Competitiveness and execution.”

— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) May 15, 2025

The game was bad enough that a jersey was thrown on the ice during the third period. This is not new for the Leafs, whose fanbase has been subject to far too many moments like this, and Rielly acknowledged that it’s hard to blame the fans.

Rielly on angry fans tossing sweaters (he's seen it before). "It's tough, but they have the right to do what they want. We need to play better. When that doesn't happen, everyone's upset." Can't confirm, but team likely donates discarded jerseys to charity. likes hat trick hats.

— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) May 15, 2025

Rielly has had a solid playoff run after a down year offensively, scoring four goals and chipping in seven points in 11 games so far. He’s found a way to step up in big moments and score goals in the past, so he’s far from public enemy number one with respect for who to blame for the team’s latest struggles, but as head coach Craig Berube put it following Game 5, nobody played well. And it’s going to take

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: