"It's pretty quiet in Toronto" - Matthew Tkachuk

As everyone saw and appreciated last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated in five short games by the Florida Panthers.

Unfortunately, Montreal Canadiens fans can’t be entirely happy to see the Leafs go down, given that the Panthers’ first-round pick now moves from 17th to 29th in the upcoming draft.

Still, Sheldon Keefe’s troupe is now on vacation, which didn’t seem to bother some Leafs players too much last night during the handshake between the two teams.

Real recognize real 🤝 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Og3WSDSu0X

– NHL (@NHL) May 13, 2023

You could see the disappointment in the faces of Maple Leafs fans last night.

Frustration, but also regret for having wanted so much to face the Panthers.

Good Morning, @FlaPanthers Fanatics!

We Want Florida! pic.twitter.com/LHXkjMowTS

– e – Shawn (Hawk) Hawkins (@hawk954) May 13, 2023

After their victory over the Lightning, Maple Leafs fans were calling for a Panthers victory over the Bruins, because they considered Florida an easier opponent than the Bruins.

“We want Florida…” pic.twitter.com/5N9insKIT7

– Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) May 13, 2023

We know the rest.

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In short, Leafs fans have really spoken too soon, completely forgetting their favorite team’s history of “choke”.

And Matthew Tkachuk made a point of reminding us of this in all his interviews last night.

“I don’t think they want Florida that much anymore. I wasn’t hearing many of those after that game and that may be the best part.”

Matthew Tkachuk spoke to @SNkylebukauskas about the @FlaPanthers‘ series win over the Leafs and moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/1g7rmEJXbe

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 13, 2023

He was quick to point out that he found the city of Toronto very quiet after the meeting, and that he didn’t hear any “We want Florida”.

“We don’t hear many ‘We Want Florida’s at this moment…”

Matthew Tkachuk is HYPED to go to the Eastern Conference Final ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sQeDzuhvZf

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 13, 2023

Matthew Tkachuk’s sly trolling is best in the game #bruins #leafsforever #flapanthers pic.twitter.com/kz4eYSCcjL

– Bluesky invites needed (@21damagee) May 13, 2023

Sothe Hart Trophy nominee really made sure Leafs fans felt put in their place after showing too much confidence after their first first-round win since 2004.

Next time, I think fans will think twice before asking for a specific opponent.

Rafale

– Gudas held on to Calle Jarnkrok’s stick on Nick Cousins’ winning goal.

As wildly blatant as this is it’s not something they’re going to call in OT. They were clearly letting him play (Staal hit on Marner, Tkachuk getting tripped) #TimetoHunt #LeafsForever https://t.co/TQLnIsbrY8

– Jersh (@nhljersh) May 13, 2023

– It would be big for the Bruins to keep him in Boston.

Why Tyler Bertuzzi May End Up Signing With The Bruins https://t.co/j0fANrYO4i

– Kevin Allen (@ByKevinAllen) May 13, 2023

– Read more.

Zachary Fucale@Fucale31refused to get wet, but he has a lot to say when he talks about his former junior clubs, the@HFXMooseheads and the@quebec_remparts.

He compares his experience in these two big @QMJHL markets. https://t.co/gp8FtG20Vs

– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) May 13, 2023

– The Remparts were dominant.

QMJHL Final: here are 21 spectacular photos of the first Mooseheads-Remparts duel, captured by the excellent Didier Debusschère! https://t.co/DcWbxqH3FY

– Kevin Dubé (@KDubeJDQ) May 13, 2023

– Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh?

The Daily: Walleye 8-0 in Playoffs; Kyle Dubas to Pittsburgh? https://t.co/3nD8foXQ1r

– Kevin Allen (@ByKevinAllen) May 13, 2023

– Incredible game from Chris Bassitt.

The big right-hander had a complete game and blanked the Braves, limiting them to two hits. https://t.co/DwmxQg7mdu

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) May 13, 2023