The scene at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday night was eerily familiar.

Another Game 7, another embarrassing defeat, and another summer of soul-searching ahead for a Toronto Maple Leafs core that has once again come up short. A 6-1 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, nearly identical to the debacle in Game 5, brought the Leafs’ season to a quick end in front of a fed-up home crowd.

Many thought this time would be different.

Toronto had statistically just finished its most successful regular season in decades, clinching first place in the Atlantic Division for the first time in franchise history with a 108-point campaign. For the first time in the 'Core Four' era, the Leafs had reached Game 7 of the second round, just one win away from the club's first Eastern Conference Final since 2002.

But as the game came to a close, the defeat tied an NHL record for the largest margin of loss by a home team in a Game 7. Despite years of belief and investment, they’ve won just two playoff series in this era of Maple Leafs hockey.

The answer seems obvious. 

This core, as currently constructed, has had more than enough chances.

For the players? The answer appears to be less definitive.

“I know you guys will have your opinions. Obviously, management will make their decisions, but obviously, a very good team that's done a lot of good things, just haven't broken through. Never going to quit, never going to stop trying. So, I'd love another opportunity,” said forward John Tavares post-game.

Asked whether it's difficult to face the same fate year after year despite being part of such a talented group, Tavares added, “Absolutely.”

Still, despite being an unrestricted free agent come July 1, the 34-year-old wants another kick at the can, he says. Tavares has reiterated his desire to stay in Toronto and remain a Maple Leaf all season long, pointing back to the pre-season.

His seven-year, $77 million contract, the one that confirmed a new era of hope and contention when he signed it in the summer of 2018, is now complete on the ice. That era, however, ends with the same result that has plagued the franchise for decades: no meaningful postseason success.

“It was a big decision I made seven years ago, and I loved it,” said Tavares. “It's been amazing for myself and my family. So just accept responsibility. We haven't been able to come through and play well enough to get to where we want to get to.”

Despite being one win away from what'd be considered a big step, the space between where this team is and where it needs to be remains at large. The former No. 1 overall pick understands that, too.

“I think clearly there's levels that we have to get to and growth that we need to have,” said Tavares. “But we did a lot of good things in the series to come to this point and have this opportunity. So, unfortunately, we have to learn again.”

Report: Maple Leafs And John Tavares' Agent Have Engaged In Contract Extension Talks, Is A Deferred Money Deal The Best Course Of Action? Tavares has made it clear he wants to remain with the Maple Leafs beyond this season.

That learning curve, though, is starting to feel more like an endless loop. More time, opportunity, and patience have been given to this core throughout the years despite its lack of success. 

In seasons past, the members have not changed their stance in their commitment and belief that they can get the job done.

So, has uncertainty settled in this time around?

“I think you want to have that internal belief, no matter what. And I think that's where we're at,” said defenseman Morgan Rielly, the current longest-tenured Leaf.

“We'll see what happens,” Marner said when asked if he believes this core can still win. “Like I said, it's devastating right now. We had a great year. Everything was going right. It was a great Game 6, and fell short again. It's tough to really put emotions or anything forward and think about the future.”

'I Believe In Them': Why Maple Leafs Are Sticking With Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner Duo In Game 6 Against Panthers The Toronto Maple Leafs are rolling with the same lineup that's resulted in playoff success in the past, with Game 6 against the Florida Panthers on the horizon.

Belief alone isn't enough anymore, not after what feels like another missed opportunity in the Stanley Cup Playoffs has come and gone. 

At this point, change feels less like an option and more like a necessity – but only time will tell if that holds true.

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