Mathews came out saying Leafs will get better following their 5th straight first round exit. «I really believe in the team and I really believe in all of the players on the team — the core group especially.» «I truly believe that we're going to get it done. We're going to be better from our losses, and from the adversity we faced.»
Toronto finished first in the North Division last season and had a 3-1 lead against Montreal in the first round of the playoffs, before succumbing to their 5th straight first round exit at the hands of the Canadiens. The Maple Leafs have no passed the second round of the playoffs since 2004, a staggering 17 years.