The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2024–25 NHL season concluded in disappointment as they were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs following a 6–1 defeat to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round. This loss marks their seventh consecutive Game 7 defeat, tying an NHL record, and extends their championship drought to 58 years.
Game 7 Recap
Despite starting the series with two home victories, the Maple Leafs lost four of the next five games. In the decisive Game 7, Florida dominated, with Seth Jones, Anton Lundell, Jonah Gadjovich, and Eetu Luostarinen scoring, and Brad Marchand adding an empty-net goal. Max Domi provided Toronto’s lone goal early in the third period, but the team couldn’t mount a comeback. Goaltender Joseph Woll made 28 saves for Toronto, while Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 shots for Florida.
Historical Context
This defeat adds to Toronto’s postseason struggles, having not advanced past the second round since 2002. The team has now been eliminated in the first or second round in each of the past nine postseasons. Additionally, the Maple Leafs became the third team in NHL history to lose consecutive home playoff games by five or more goals.
The loss has prompted discussions about the future of the team’s core players. Longtime forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Speculation is growing over potential roster changes, with reports indicating that teams like the Calgary Flames are preparing moves to acquire key players such as Marner. Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the need for organizational reflection following the disappointing finish.
As the offseason begins, the Maple Leafs face critical decisions to reshape their roster and address the challenges that have hindered their playoff success.
