This highly dramatic series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers culminates in a do-or-die Game 7. The series has been a true rollercoaster, starting with Toronto taking a quick 2-0 lead, followed by Florida winning three consecutive games, before Toronto managed to force this final contest with a hard-fought victory in Game 6.
The stakes couldn`t be higher. Which team will secure their spot in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes? And whose playoff journey will end prematurely?
Matchup Insights
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 7 | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT
Historically, the Maple Leafs have struggled in Game 7s, losing their last six appearances and holding a 12-15 all-time record in such games. In contrast, the Panthers boast a strong 3-1 all-time record in Game 7s, including their victory in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Auston Matthews finally scored his first career playoff goal against the Panthers in Game 6, which proved to be the game-winner. He became only the second Maple Leafs captain, following Darryl Sittler in 1976, to score the winning goal in a game where his team faced elimination.
Mitch Marner assisted Matthews` crucial goal. Marner is now just the second player in Toronto franchise history to reach 50 career playoff assists, trailing only Doug Gilmour (60).
Joseph Woll achieved his first career playoff shutout in Game 6, becoming the first Leafs goaltender since Curtis Joseph in the 2002 Eastern Conference finals to record a shutout when facing elimination.
Florida`s Brad Marchand is set to play in his 13th career Game 7, making him the active leader and tying him for fifth all-time with Scott Stevens and Patrick Roy. Only Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara (both with 14) have played in more.
Sergei Bobrovsky brings a perfect 2-0 record in Game 7s into the contest, including his win in last year`s Stanley Cup Final. He has the chance to become one of just eight goaltenders to win their first three career Game 7 appearances.
Key Player Spotlight
Several analysts highlighted players whose performance could be pivotal in Game 7:
Joseph Woll: Can the young goaltender replicate his outstanding Game 6 performance? His ability to handle the pressure of a winner-take-all game will be crucial and further demonstrate the value of goaltending depth in the playoffs.
William Nylander: Toronto`s leading scorer this postseason has been quiet on the scoresheet recently. If Nylander, known for his calm demeanor, can break his scoring drought and find the back of the net, it could provide a significant boost for the Leafs hoping to overcome their Game 7 history.
Auston Matthews: After scoring his first playoff goal against the Panthers and his first goal beyond the first round in Game 6, the Leafs captain needs to prove he can deliver when it matters most. Game 7 is the ultimate test for superstars, and Matthews has the opportunity to solidify his leadership.
Mitch Marner: Following a challenging Game 5 and a quiet stretch offensively, Marner is looking for a redemptive moment on home ice. With 50 playoff assists, he has the playmaking ability. Game 7 is his chance to make a series-defining impact and silence critics about his performance in high-pressure situations.
Brad Marchand: Marchand represents the potential for maximum anguish for Leafs fans. He holds a 4-0 record against Toronto in Game 7s (all with Boston) and could become the first player to eliminate the same opponent five times in winner-take-all games. His history against Toronto, combined with Florida`s pursuit of another deep playoff run, makes him a compelling figure to watch.
Final Score Predictions
Experts offered their predictions for the outcome:
Panthers 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT): Drawing parallels to Florida`s 2023 Game 7 win against Boston that kickstarted their rise, the Panthers` comfort and experience in these high-stakes situations, including their Stanley Cup win, might give them the edge in overtime.
Maple Leafs 4, Panthers 2: Despite their historical Game 7 struggles, there`s a belief that the Leafs can finally overcome the narrative. If they stick to their system, utilize their speed advantage, manage Florida`s physicality, and avoid costly penalties or turnovers, they have the potential to flip the script and secure a victory, potentially sealed with an empty-net goal.
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 1: A predicted scenario sees Toronto taking an early lead, weathering Florida`s push, responding quickly after a Panthers goal, and sealing it with an empty-netter. This outcome would send the Leafs to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002.
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2 (OT): If Toronto can execute the blueprint that led to their Game 6 victory – strong goaltending, contributions from top players, and solid collective defensive effort – they have the capability to win. The chance to reach the Conference Final, last achieved in 2002 (also with a Game 7 win over Ottawa before facing Carolina), might be the motivation needed to break the pattern in overtime.
Panthers 2, Maple Leafs 1: While the Leafs are expected to put up a valiant effort after their Game 5 setback, the Panthers are seen as having more players tested and successful in Game 7 scenarios like Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, alongside Bobrovsky`s perfect record. Florida`s ability to rebound even after squandering chances (like in the 2024 Final) suggests they can handle the pressure and secure a close win, leading to another critical offseason for Toronto.
Highlighting Saturday`s Playoff Action
Looking back at games from the previous day:
1. Dallas Stars fans: After learning of the unexpected death of Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele`s father, Stars fans online organized a campaign to donate $55 (Scheifele`s number) to charities he supports, showcasing the best of the hockey community.
2. Thomas Harley, D, Dallas Stars: He scored the overtime winner, sending Dallas to their third consecutive Western Conference Final. Harley became the fourth defenseman in franchise history with a playoff OT winner.
3. Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets: Despite the tragic news of his father`s passing hours before the game, Scheifele delivered an incredible performance, including scoring the opening goal. It was his first road playoff goal in his last 13 games.
Recap of Saturday`s Game
Dallas Stars 2, Winnipeg Jets 1 (OT)
(Dallas wins series 4-2, advances to face Edmonton in conference finals)
Unlike other games in the series that featured wider margins, Saturday`s contest was a tight battle that required overtime. Mark Scheifele opened the scoring for Winnipeg early in the second period, just hours after his father`s unexpected death. Dallas equalized with a goal from Sam Steel. The score remained tied through regulation, but it didn`t take long in overtime for Thomas Harley to score, securing the win for Dallas and sending them to the Western Conference Final for a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers.
