New season, same heartbreak. In this episode, we break down the Leafs’ Game 7 loss and what went wrong in their series with the Panthers, after the disappointing end to their latest rollercoaster playoff run. From a lack of urgency and low shot totals to another rough start that set the tone early, the frustration is real — and Leafs Fans are feeling it!

While the players definitely bear the brunt of this, we also take a hard look at some of the coaching decisions, especially around player lineups, and how injuries once again played a major role in derailing playoff hopes. The outside noise from critics and media is only growing louder, and with expectations still sky-high (and rightfully so), many in Leafs Nation are left asking: Where do we go from here?

The conversation gets real as we talk about what needs to change this offseason We also dive into the emotional connection fans have with this team, why the disappointment cuts so deep, and why, despite it all, the love for the Blue and White never fades.

If you’re frustrated, heartbroken, or just trying to make sense of it all — this one’s for you. Go Leafs Go!

👉 Tap follow, leave a review, and join us for honest Leafs talk every week. #LeafsForever #NHLPlayoffs #GoLeafsGo #TorontoMapleLeafs

00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement
01:53 Disappointing Game Seven Recap
05:58 Team Mindset and Coaching Adjustments
10:11 Injuries and Their Impact on Performance
14:12 Criticism from Opponents and Media
18:00 Fan Expectations and Team Performance
22:00 Looking Ahead: Offseason Decisions

https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo

Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917

Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

https://hockeyhotstove.com/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/its-all-between-the-ears-toronto-maple-leafs-craig-berube-notes-after-another-game-7-loss-florida-panthers-marner-tavares-matthews

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/you-feel-their-disappointment-maple-leafs-react-to-fans-throwing-jerseys-and-debris-on-the-ice-after-game-7-elimination

https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/the-maple-leafs-don-t-deserve-to-be-crucified-say-panthers-marchand-maurice

https://6ixonice.com/2025/05/19/no-success-toronto-maple-leafs-playoff-failure/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-playoff-run-ends-with-yet-another-game-7-failure

https://theleafsnation.com/news/knee-jerk-reaction-toronto-maple-leafs-demons-victorious-game-7-panthers

https://hockeyhotstove.com/leafs-loss-means-shanaplan-was-a-failure/

We're back—and now streaming on hockeyhotstove.com! In this episode, we break down the highs, lows, and head-scratchers of the Leafs’ playoff performance, as they are in the thick of it versus the Florida Panthers in this 2nd round series. Joseph Woll has been thrown into the fire with a tough goaltending assignment, while the team continues to struggle with scoring in key moments.

Penalties sure disrupted the Leafs momentum in game 4, and Auston Matthews is getting heat despite his strong defensive play, but Tanev’s toughness has been a game-changer—and we’re here for it! The Leafs as a unit will need to take their cue from this tenacious D'man if they hope to come out on top in this now best of three showdown.

We also shine a light on the community side of the game. We were delighted to have welcomed Ultimate Leafs Fan Mike Wilson on with us to talk about an important fundraising initiative he is championing in support of a cure for ALS; one that that hockey fans will definitely want to get involved with! Of course, while he was with us we also got his thoughts on the Leafs vs Panthers series, and chatted about his experiences following the Blue and White on the road. We could've talked to Mike for hours, as he has some incredible stories!

The playoffs are all about momentum swings, and the Leafs have allowed the Panthers to get some. A quick start and taking our game to them will be the key to getting it back. Go Leafs Go!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast News
01:12 Recap of the Leafs vs. Panthers Series
06:42 Goaltending Challenges and Player Performances
14:01 Criticism of Key Players and Team Dynamics
22:48 Insights from the Ultimate Leafs Fan, Mike Wilson
25:32 The Toughness of Chris and Team Dynamics
30:11 Game Strategy and Player Composure
32:04 Charity Initiatives and Community Support
41:04 The Ultimate Leafs Fan Experience
49:05 Fan Engagement and Game Atmosphere
52:41 Predictions and Superstitions for the Series

https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo

Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917

Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

https://www.ultimateleafsfan.com/books

https://hockeyhotstove.com/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/matthews-marner-dont-have-more-wendel-gilmour

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/leafs-thoughts-auston-matthews-must-take-the-lead-with-series-tied-2-2/

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/kept-us-in-it-until-the-end-maple-leafs-joseph-woll-shines-with-impressive-start-despite-game-4-loss-to-panthers

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/got-shoot-puck-maple-leafs-170018345.html

https://theleafsnation.com/news/craig-berube-bobby-mcmann-simplify-game-blue-paint

https://theleafsnation.com/news/craig-berube-wants-joseph-woll-more-direct-moving-puck

The Leafs are moving on! We love that we get to talk about the Leafs in Round 2 of the playoffs after winning their 1st round series vs. the Ottawa Senators in 6 games! Round #2 is going to be a much tougher opponent vs. the Florida Panthers!

In this episode, we put a bow on Toronto’s first-round win over the Ottawa Senators and look ahead to a tough matchup against the Florida Panthers. From Anthony Stolarz’s solid playoff debut to Simon Benoit stepping up big time, the boys in blue are finding their stride—but will it be enough?

Before we move on to Florida we wanted to celebrate some of the key performances that were instrumental in getting us past the first round, with a special Playoff LTL Highlight Reel! We had a defenceman doing their best impression of Bobby Orr, a stand out goaltending debut, and a young, imposing power forward, all stepping up to help seal the deal!

We then welcome our insider Mike Augello who joined us to discuss what went well, and what didn't vs the Sens, the impact of the Leafs' improved defense, and why special teams and composure could make or break the next series. Will Ryan Reaves make an appearance, bringing the grit needed against Florida’s physical play? Can the power play deliver under pressure? And what happens if Stolarz slips—will Joseph Woll be ready?

Join us for playoff insights, a few laughs, and all things Leafs as the second round heats up! Go Leafs Go!

00:00 Introduction and Community Appreciation
03:09 Charity Initiative for ALS Awareness
06:09 Playoff Highlights: Leafs vs Senators
08:56 Analysis of the Senators Series
12:11 Previewing the Second Round Against the Panthers
28:32 Learning from Past Mistakes
30:11 The Importance of Composure
33:34 The Role of Physicality in Playoffs
34:08 Goaltending Dynamics: Stolarz vs. Wall
39:01 Series Predictions and Key Factors
42:25 Emerging Players and Their Impact
46:19 Critique of NHL Playoff Format

https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo

Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917

https://hockeyhotstove.com/

https://www.ultimateleafsfan.com/books

https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-ottawa-senators-superlatives-mvp-battle-of-ontario

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/nhl/simon-benoit-s-game-reaches-inflection-point-to-become-leafs-timely-hero-in-battle-of-ontario/ar-AA1DBqN7

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/vaive-dont-over-crowd-leafs-bandwagon

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/stanley-cup-playoffs-day-recap-hurricanes-devils-martinook-maple-leafs-senators-domi-lightning-panthers-tkachuk-wild-golden-knights

https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-florida-panthers-eastern-second-round-series-preview

https://thehockeywriters.com/hockey-analyst-calls-for-maple-leafs-to-start-woll-over-stolarz-vs-panthers/

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/hes-a-pit-bull-with-some-nice-hands-how-matthew-knies-continues-to-evolve-into-playoff-difference-maker-for-maple-leafs