Despite having a 2024-25 season that would qualify as the best year for many NHL players, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews didn't live up to his usual standard because of a lingering injury.

Former NHL player Rile Cote explains why he thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to fall short in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

When I say Toronto didn't stand a chance, I don't mean against Florida. Ordinarily, those Maple Leafs could absolutely beat the Panthers. Instead, what Toronto didn't stand a chance against was history. The Leafs were always going to blow this game. There was waaaaaay too much stink involved all around for Toronto to get it done.

Stolarz confirmed during Tuesday's end-of-season media availability that he suffered a concussion on the play that effectively put an end to his campaign. The hit ended his postseason prematurely and was caused by a collision with Panthers forward and former Stolarz's teammate Sam Bennett.

Maple Leafs have been projected to win it all under Brendan Shanahan, but can't even get out of 2nd round. Again. That doesn't help Red Wings fans.

Let's look at the facts. Since 2018, the Maple Leafs' longest tenured players — Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Morgan Rielly — have fallen completely flat in their career in Game 7, scoring three goals between them in six games.

Knies added five goals and two assists in 13 playoff contests, tied for fifth among Maple Leafs players. He spent most of the year on Toronto’s top line with team captain Auston Matthews and star winger Mitch Marner.