When did the Leafs last make the second round

Toronto Maple Leafs fans finally got what they've been waiting for. The last time Leafs made second round playoffs was in 2025, when they defeated the Ottawa Senators before falling to the Florida Panthers in a thrilling seven-game series. For a fanbase that endured 21 years of first-round heartbreak, this breakthrough felt like a championship itself (honestly, it kind of was).

The 20-year playoff drought that defined the franchise

The Leafs hadn't won a playoff series since 2004. For two decades, Toronto fans watched their team collapse when it mattered most. Missed playoffs, embarrassing first-round exits, and gut-wrenching losses became painfully routine. Every spring brought hope. Every May brought dissapointment. That streak finally snapped in 2025, making the moment unforgettable for long-suffering supporters across the city.

How the Leafs finally broke through in 2025

Toronto dominated the first round against Ottawa, winning 4-2. William Nylander emerged as the clutch performer, scoring two crucial goals in the clinching game. The Leafs controlled the tempo, played disciplined hockey, and refused to collapse like teams in the past. Veteran leadership and consistent execution separated Toronto from its playoff-cursed predecessors.

The Florida Panthers series and what went wrong

The second round tested the Leafs in ways they couldn't handle. The series pushed to seven games, but the Panthers proved too strong down the stretch. Florida demolished Toronto 6-1 in the decisive Game 7, ending the fairy tale run abruptly (tough loss to swallow after getting so close). Despite finishing first in the Atlantic Division with a 52-26-4 record, playoff hockey demanded more than regular-season success.

What this means for Toronto moving forward

The 2025 playoffs proved the Leafs can compete beyond the first round. They're not the same franchise that collapsed for two decades straight. This wasn't just luck Toronto showed real organizational improvement and player development. If the team maintains momentum and keeps developing its roster, Stanley Cup contention isn't wishful thinking anymore. Next season will reveal whether this was a turning point or just a one-time breakthrough. Either way, Leafs Nation finally has hope again.