Morgan Rielly Sounds Off on Maple Leafs Fans Throwing Jerseys in Game 5

Rielly commented on the fans who threw jerseys onto the ice as protest for the team's disappointing play against Florida that saw them down 6-0 before a consolation goal from Nicholas Robertson late.

Anger grew as fans who had played hundreds, if not thousands to see the Leafs play in a major moment tied 2-2 looking to bring back some momentum the team's way following two losses, having faced a loss even more of a disappointment than the last two games.

Rielly, who has seven points in 11 playoff games this season, spoke on the fans who threw jerseys onto the ice out of anger, admitting that while he upset, there was an understood sense of disappointment from fans in that performance from the Leafs, something Rielly admits has some merit.

Both Rielly and the Leafs have one clear point in mind, the Toronto Maple Leafs played poorly, and cannot let it happen again.

Not only is a loss for Toronto the end of their season, but the potential end of the Leafs promised golden era that has failed to bring the hopes of a Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967.

Rielly is one of the many longstanding Leafs who's future may be less certain as a new outlook may begin with yet another failure to exit past Round 2.

Once heralded as the core group that could lift the Leafs to the promised land, Rielly, along with Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and later John Tavares, were all top-ten picks expected to bring the Leafs their first taste of glory in the post-Original Six era.

At times in the regular season, Rielly was faced with criticism over his performance, questioning if rest was needed, or more.

No longer among the upper echelon of defenseman in the NHL, Morgan Rielly has maintained somewhat the ability to be a #1D, but his time leading a blueline may be running out now in his 30's.

Reports have suggested that a loss against Florida could bring forth a cultural reset for the Leafs, which could see one or both of Mitch Marner as well as Leafs President Brendan Shanahan out the door.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will need to win not just to keep themselves alive, but keep the current roster alive for the foreseeable future, as a loss in this series may become the start of a brand new Leafs team and identity.