Ranking the Maple Leafs Core Four’s 5 worst playoff moments of all-time

The Toronto Maple Leafs have once again faced disappointment in the Stanley Cup playoffs, experiencing an early exit from the competition. In a Game 7 showdown against the Florida Panthers, the Maple Leafs were convincingly beaten, leading to speculation about the future of the team’s Core Four players. Here, we take a look at the five worst playoff moments for the Maple Leafs’ Core Four.

#5, Florida Game 5, 2025
Despite taking a 2-0 series lead against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Maple Leafs faltered in Game 5, losing 6-1 and ultimately surrendering the series to the Panthers.

#4, Boston, Game 7, 2019
In the 2019 playoffs, the Maple Leafs held a 3-2 series lead over the Boston Bruins but failed to capitalize in Game 7, losing 5-1 and bowing out in the first round once again.

#3, Columbus, Game 5, 2020
Facing the Columbus Blue Jackets in a qualifying round, the Maple Leafs failed to deliver in a crucial Game 5, losing 3-0 and exiting the playoffs prematurely.

#2, Montreal, Game 7, 2021
In a pivotal Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, the Maple Leafs squandered a 3-1 series lead, losing 3-1 and crashing out of the playoffs in the first round.

#1, Florida, Game 7, 2025
In a Game 7 showdown against the Florida Panthers on home ice, the Maple Leafs suffered a resounding 6-1 defeat, marking the end of the Core Four era in Toronto as the team was booed off the ice.

These playoff disappointments have raised questions about the future of the Maple Leafs and the Core Four players. With another early exit from the playoffs, changes may be on the horizon for Toronto as they look to finally break their playoff curse.