By Sonny Sachdeva
For two days, the situation for the Toronto Maple Leafs swung wildly between possibility and dread. The discussions were full of hypothetical scenarios and anxious speculation.
For this iteration of the team, the outcome of this critical final game would determine everything. A win would solidify this season as a turning point, showcasing genuine progress and permanently changing how the team and players are viewed. Conversely, a loss would attract intense criticism, likely leading to significant changes and the end of this particular era.
That is the definitive nature of a Game 7. There is no middle ground, no second chance. It is a simple dichotomy: overwhelming success or complete failure.
And on Sunday night, under the bright lights of Scotiabank Arena, amidst considerable pressure, anxiety, and the faint hope of the city, the Maple Leafs could only manage the latter result.
