High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1988-89 Leafs season was a disastrous one that saw John Brophy relieved from his coaching duties mid-season. Interim coach George Armstrong led the Leafs close to the playoffs, but they eventually missed out by losing to the Chicago Blackhawks on the final day of the regular season. The Leafs needed a win against Chicago to clinch a post season birth, but a Troy Murray overtime goal ended the season for Toronto.