The Toronto Maple Leafs accomplished something they hadn't been able to do for 19 seasons when they advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, eliminating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.
This achievement had most of Leafs Nation, along with the broader hockey world, speculating that this could be the year for the Leafs to seize the opportunity, especially considering the numerous first-round upsets.
With the season now at a close, many are questioning whether this version of the Maple Leafs has exhausted its chances. The core team of Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Nylander have had numerous opportunities, and this season marked their furthest progress yet.