The ‘Toronto Curse’ Has Been Lifted
The Toronto Maple Leafs move on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Photo Via ESPN.com
For the first time since 2004, the Toronto Maple Leafs will move on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Unfortunately for Leafs’ fans, they have become quite accustomed to the Leafs making playoff berth, leading the series in the first round, and then ultimately blowing their lead and exiting in the first round.
However, things have turned around for the Leafs.
The Leafs went up against the Tampa Bay Lighting in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The two teams were matched up in last years playoffs as well. In the 2022 first round series, the Leafs had a 3-2 lead going into Game 6, but lost in OT to Tampa Bay forcing a Game 7 and Tampa ultimately won the series.
When Game 6 of the 2023 first round series went to OT it seemed like a major deja vu moment for the Leafs. However, John Tavares scored 4:35 into OT securing the series win for Toronto.
The Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967 and have not moved past the first round since 2004. The Leafs have finally lifted their first round curse and will advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
