The Toronto Maple Leafs are set for a high-stakes rematch against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL playoffs, renewing a rivalry that saw Toronto eliminated by Florida just two years ago This time, the Leafs arrive with a new bench boss, Craig Berube, and a roster looking to capitalize on home-ice advantage after a strong regular season (27-13-1 at home)
All eyes are on William Nylander, Toronto’s leading scorer from Round 1, who registered nine points in six games and was instrumental on the power play The Leafs’ top unit, featuring Nylander, Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Knies, has been lethal, converting at a 3.3% clip in the opening round But they’ll face a Panthers penalty kill that ranks among the league’s best, shutting down nearly 89% of opposing power plays in the playoffs
Florida, meanwhile, brings playoff-tested depth and defensive grit, even with key blueliner Aaron Ekblad suspended for the opener The Panthers’ experience-two consecutive trips to the Cup Final-contrasts with Toronto’s fresh systems under Berube and a hunger to reach the conference final for the first time since 2002
With both teams boasting star power and special teams prowess, the series could hinge on whether Nylander and the Leafs’ offense can crack Florida’s defense-or if the Panthers’ playoff pedigree prevails once again. Game 1 promises intensity, suspense, and a battle of strengths that could define the Eastern Conference race
