Maple Leafs fans stay optimistic despite Game 1 loss
Posted May 1, 2013 11:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – A sea of blue and white flooded Maple Leaf Square Wednesday night as fans eagerly took in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first NHL playoff game in nine years.
When James van Riemsdyk scored an early first-period power goal that gave the Leafs a 1-0 lead, the square erupted into cheers.
Though, the rest of the game was not what fans were hoping for — the Buds fell to the Boston Bruins 4-1 in Boston.
Still, the celebratory mood in Toronto diminished very little.
Fans are hopeful for a win in Game 2 Saturday.
“How many times have you seen the leafs play this year and just get absolutely destroyed but they bounce back?” One fan told 680News.
“This team’s resilient. They’re diligent,” he said.
“We haven’t been here in the finals for nine years so we just got to get our feet wet. Next game, next game, we’ll trump them and we’ll get them,” another fan said.
Meanwhile, Toronto bars and restaurants were buzzing with Buds’ fans.
Given that this is a shortened season, people working in the food and drink industry are happy about the playoffs.
“Those days are guaranteed to be your busiest days of the week. No matter what day of the week they fall on,” said Steve Gale, general manager at St. Louis Bar and Grill near Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.
“We’re always a popular destination for Leafs’ games but with the playoffs, the excitement is through the roof,” he said.
While Tyler didn’t like to see the Leafs lose, it gave him an excuse to see some longtime friends.
“My best friends from way back when — we’re kind of reliving the past when the Leafs were a great franchise and we succeeded.”
“I’m excited about that.”
Oren isn’t losing hope yet either.
“We’re going to win, I think, 4-3. It’ll be a Game 7 situation.”
Leafs vs. Bruins playoff schedule:
Game 1: Wed May 1
Leafs fall to Bruins 4-1.
Game 2: Sat May 4
Toronto at Boston, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Mon May 6
Boston at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wed May 8
Boston at Toronto, 7 p.m. BROADCAST ON 680News
* Game 5: Fri May 10
Toronto at Boston, 7 p.m.
* Game 6: Sun May 12
Boston at Toronto, time TBA
* Game 7: Mon May 13
Toronto at Boston, time TBA
* if necessary
You can hear the exclusive play-by-play radio broadcast of game 4 on May 8 at 7 p.m. During the broadcast of the playoff game, 680News regular programming including news, traffic and weather can be heard online at 680News.com.
