Bittersweet playoff exit for plucky Maple Leafs: ‘The future’s bright for us’
TORONTO — The air was bittersweet in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ dressing room after a season-ending loss.
Bitter from the end result of Game 6, a 2-1 overtime defeat which ended a closely-matched first round series with the heavily favoured Washington Capitals. Sweet for players and their head coach as they reflected on a historic season which shattered expectations in almost every way imaginable.
“The loss is tough for sure,” said 23-year-old Morgan Rielly, his face marked by cuts and bruising following the Sunday night loss which gave Washington a 4-2 series win. “But when we got in here and looked at one another (after the game), there’s a lot of pride that can be taken.
“This is just a step in the right direction,” Rielly continued. “We’re going to continue to grow, continue to get better and see how far we can take it.”