Toronto Maple Leafs have won their first NHL playoff series in 20 years after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning. This significant win was last accomplished in April 2004 when they knocked off Ottawa in Game 7. Despite not being the most talented team, the Maple Leafs had a great coach in Pat Quinn, veteran goalie Ed Belfour, and a star player in Mats Sundin. The team was eventually eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in round two. The passion of the fans was felt across the city when the playoffs rolled around, and the more they won, the more it grew.
In 2004, Toronto had only been around for about six years. It was formed when North York, Scarborough, York, East York, Etobicoke, and Old Toronto were amalgamated. The city was also recovering after a recent coronavirus outbreak brought on by the SARS virus that resulted in 44 deaths. The tourism industry was hit hard as a result, and in an attempt to revive it, a fundraising rock concert was organized. The Leafs fans celebrated the playoffs by partying on Yonge Street instead of a large fan zone outside the arena.
The partying on Yonge Street involved fans celebrating the victory by hopping on the top of a red hummer stopped in the middle of the street and another marching up Yonge with a mock Stanley Cup. Torontonians gathered to watch the playoffs as there was no social media to follow the games. Instead, the games were watched with family and friends while ordering pizzas. It was a different experience in many ways from today. The memory of the 2003-2004 Toronto Maple Leafs is something that will be remembered for a long time by fans and players alike.