from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,

Defeat, in the end, came with abrupt finality, with a sense of shock and surprise and even momentary disbelief that what seemed to be the start of something special was over.

What, no more games? That’s it?

Oh my word. They lost it how?

The Maple Leafs, and their legions of fans, had dared to dream that this might become a unique spring, particularly after twice fighting off elimination to force Game 7 in their best-of-seven opening round playoff series against the favoured Boston Bruins on Monday night.

All signs were pointing to this series as a shiny new beginning, not a nightmarish end.

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