Leafs core back under-fire after another early end to season

Mitch Marner stepped in front of the cameras and spoke to reporters for roughly three minutes.

The Maple Leafs winger — a lightning rod of criticism in the aftermath of Toronto’s latest playoff failure — said he would like to stay long-term with the organization he cheered on as a kid growing up just north of the city.

“It means the world,” Marner said Monday of suiting up for the Original Six franchise. “We’re looked upon as kind of gods here, to be honest. Something that you really appreciate.

“The love that you get here from this fan base … this attention is (unlike) any other.”

Head coach Sheldon Keefe then took a seat in another part of the team’s practice facility and said that, while he accepts responsibility for expectations not being met, his confidence in the group’s — and his own — ability to succeed is at an all-time high.

“Now more than ever, I believe in myself and our team,” he said. “That I will win and our team will win.”

It will be up to general manager Brad Treliving — and his bosses — to decide if both Marner and Keefe get that chance.

Toronto forced Game 7 against the Boston Bruins in the first round of this spring’s playoffs after falling behind 3-1, but lost the do-or-die finale 2-1 in overtime for a seventh opening-round loss in eight seasons.

Marner, who represents nearly $11 million (U.S.) on the Leafs’ topheavy salary cap, will enter the final year of his contract in October and can sign an extension July 1.

“I’ve expressed my love for this place, the city,” said the product of nearby Thornhill, who has a full no-movement clause and would have to agree to any potential trade.

Marner has taken heat after Toronto’s ouster thanks to a one-goal, two-assist showing over seven games against Boston. Going back to last spring when Toronto made the second round for the first time in nearly two decades, he has seven points in 14 playoff contests.

“In my time here, I’ve learned that there’s always a scapegoat, there’s always a narrative,” Leafs centre Auston Matthews said.

Toronto defenceman Morgan Rielly, the longest-serving member of the current roster, put the mood around the team in perspective.

“We’re in a wonderful position where anything other than a championship is a disappointment,” he said. “But it makes anything other than that very difficult and very challenging for the group on many levels.”

But here the Leafs find themselves again after a potent and highpaid attack led by the so-called “Core Four” of Matthews, Marner, Tavares and William Nylander came up short, including going an ugly 1-for-21 on the power play against Boston.

Treliving, set to enter his second season as GM, is scheduled to address the media Friday morning alongside new Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley and Leafs president Brendan Shanahan.

Marner was asked why a nucleus that hasn’t been able to get it done deserves yet another shot.

“Because we’re great players,” he said. “It’s not an easy thing to do to win the Stanley Cup.”