TORONTO - Randy Carlyle says the Toronto Maple Leafs are "embarrassed" to be missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season.
The new coach spoke to reporters one day after the team was officially eliminated from post-season contention in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto sat sixth in the conference before going on a 5-16-3 stretch since Feb. 6.
Part of Carlyle's message to his players was the importance of playing better for the team's passionate fans.
The Leafs have dropped 10 straight games at Air Canada Centre heading into a matchup with Philadelphia on Thursday.
