The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a pivotal Game 3 in their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers. With a commanding 2-0 lead, the Leafs are on the verge of advancing further in the playoffs than they have since 2002. This series marks a critical moment for a franchise that hasn't won seven games in a single postseason since their run to the Conference Finals 23 years ago, where they triumphed over the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes.
As the teams prepare to clash at Amerant Bank Arena, head coach Craig Berube is keeping his lineup largely intact, opting for consistency over frequent changes. This strategy has served the team well so far, as they remain one of only two teams, alongside the Edmonton Oilers, who can lay claim to being just 10 victories away from hoisting the Stanley Cup.
During the morning skate on May 9, 2025, the Leafs showcased their forward lines, which included Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner leading the charge. Other notable combinations featured Max Pacioretty with John Tavares and William Nylander, while Bobby McMann, Max Domi, and Pontus Holmberg rounded out the third line. The fourth line included Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and Calle Jarnkrok. On defense, the pairs remained unchanged with Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev, Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo, and Simon Benoit with Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Joseph Woll is set to start in goal for the second consecutive game, stepping in for the injured Anthony Stolarz, while Dennis Hildeby will serve as the backup. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT, and fans can catch the action on Sportsnet and CBC.
Craig Berube addressed the media ahead of the game, discussing the challenges the Panthers will present on their home ice. He anticipates a similar style of play from Florida, emphasizing the importance of discipline and avoiding extracurricular activities after the whistle. "We harp on it a lot, and it is difficult. It can be difficult, but it is fairly ingrained in our heads," Berube said. "The stuff after the whistle really doesn’t accomplish a whole lot, in my opinion."
One key player for the Leafs has been Chris Tanev, whose shot-blocking skills have been instrumental in the playoffs. Berube praised Tanev's impact, stating, "It is huge. Our team has really fed off of that side of what he brings to the table night in and night out throughout the year." Tanev's commitment to defense has set a tone for the entire team, and his leadership has been crucial as the Leafs look to continue their playoff success.
Another standout player for the Leafs has been William Nylander, who has been nothing short of spectacular this postseason. Nylander leads the team with six goals and seven assists for a total of 13 points in just eight games leading up to Game 3. His performance has placed him third in overall playoff scoring, trailing only Mikko Rantanen and Connor McDavid. Remarkably, Nylander is just the second Leafs player in the last 30 years to score five goals over a three-game span in the postseason, joining Alexander Mogilny, who accomplished the feat in 2003.
Auston Matthews, the Leafs' captain, has lauded Nylander's tenacity and skill level, noting, "His focus level has been really good." Nylander’s ability to perform under pressure has been evident, particularly in a recent game where he showcased his quick reflexes by taking a pass from Max Pacioretty off his skate, kicking it to his stick, and beating Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky in a thrilling 4-3 victory on May 6, 2025.
Berube has expressed confidence in Nylander's ability to handle high-pressure situations, saying, "There’s no too big a stage for this guy. He thrives on this stuff. He looks forward to it and he wants to be in all those critical situations." This confidence is echoed by his teammates, with Scott Laughton describing Nylander as dynamic and instrumental to the team's success.
On the other side, the Panthers have been relatively quiet in terms of offensive output, with their biggest stars yet to make a significant impact in the series. Former Panther Brandon Montour has stated that Florida will be ready to respond in Game 3, hinting at an expected shift in momentum as they return home.
As the Leafs prepare for what promises to be an intense matchup, the focus remains on maintaining their composure and executing their game plan. Berube’s emphasis on playing hard between the whistles and avoiding unnecessary penalties will be crucial as they look to extend their series lead.
With the stakes higher than ever, both teams are set to clash in a game that could shift the balance of the series. The Leafs are determined to capitalize on their momentum, while the Panthers are eager to bounce back and assert their dominance on home ice. As the puck drops, fans will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see if Toronto can take a commanding 3-0 lead or if Florida can rally back in front of their home crowd.
