The Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of their second-round series and continued their impressive playoff run, winning 4-3 on May 7, 2025. This victory marks the Leafs' first 2-0 series lead in the second round of the NHL playoffs since 1987, and they now head to Florida with momentum on their side.
Once again, the Leafs displayed their trademark speed and skill, with three of their goals coming off fast-paced rushes. Max Pacioretty, William Nylander, Max Domi, and Mitch Marner were all instrumental in the victory, showcasing their offensive prowess while Joseph Woll stood tall in goal, making crucial saves to secure the win.
"We’re playing connected," said Domi, reflecting on the team's improved chemistry. "Florida rims a lot of pucks, so coming back in our zone, you’ve got to do your jobs, you’ve got to be in the right spot coming out and make that play to chip it out. A lot of the wingers are doing a great job of getting it past that 'D' pinch. It’s not an easy feat to do, and guys are really bearing down and doing it. That’s what it takes this time of year."
The game started with the Panthers establishing an early forecheck and some zone time, but the Leafs' quick-strike offense created counterattack opportunities. Bobby McMann was hauled down while attempting a breakaway, leading to the Leafs' first power play of the night. However, they failed to convert, with Nylander opting to circle the net instead of taking a shot when he had a clear opportunity.
Florida struck first, with Aleksander Barkov scoring a power-play goal at 10:58 of the first period. The Leafs' defense faltered briefly, allowing Barkov to find the back of the net with a simple wrist shot from just outside the faceoff circle. The goal took the wind out of the Leafs' sails for a moment, but they quickly regrouped.
Just 7:21 later, Pacioretty redirected a shot from Morgan Rielly to tie the game. This marked Pacioretty's fifth goal of the playoffs, and he has quickly become a key player for the Leafs since returning to the lineup. His presence on the second line alongside Tavares and Nylander has proven invaluable.
However, the Panthers regained the lead early in the second period when Brad Marchand scored just 15 seconds into the frame. A turnover by Rielly led to a quick opportunity for Marchand, who capitalized to put Florida back on top.
But the Leafs were quick to respond. William Nylander, assisted by Pacioretty, tied the game again just three minutes later. Nylander’s sixth goal of the playoffs showcased his elite scoring ability, and he currently leads all players with 13 points in the postseason.
As the game progressed, the intensity ramped up. A hit by Laughton on Evan Rodrigues led to a four-minute penalty for Laughton, but the Leafs' power play continued to struggle, failing to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite the challenges, Domi found the back of the net late in the second period, giving the Leafs a 3-2 lead with a well-placed shot after a beautiful setup from Steven Lorentz and Rielly.
The Panthers weren't done yet, though. Anton Lundell scored to tie the game at 3-3 early in the third period, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the Leafs. However, just 17 seconds later, Mitch Marner scored the game-winning goal, his first since becoming a father. Marner's shot knuckled its way into the top corner, sending the Scotiabank Arena into a frenzy.
With just under three minutes left, the Panthers pulled their goaltender in a desperate attempt to equalize. However, Woll made a crucial toe save on Mackie Samoskevich, preserving the lead and helping the Leafs fend off the late onslaught. Toronto blocked an impressive 25 shots to Florida’s eight, demonstrating their commitment to defense.
Reflecting on the game, coach Craig Berube praised his team's resilience and willingness to sacrifice for one another. "His calmness, his readiness for every single game to get us ready, his pregame talks, his during-game talks, just to keep the intensity up," Marner said, speaking about Berube's influence. "He brings that intensity but that calmness all in one. That’s something that as a player you love, and we’re just trying to react off that."
As the Leafs head to Florida with a 2-0 series lead, they have shown that they are a team capable of going deep in the playoffs. Their ability to respond to adversity, combined with the stellar performances of key players like Pacioretty, Nylander, Domi, and Marner, has them in a strong position to challenge for the Stanley Cup.
However, the road ahead won't be easy. The Panthers are a formidable opponent, and the Leafs will need to improve their power play, which finally scored its first goal of the series on their eighth attempt. They will also need to find a way to counter Florida's potent offensive lines, particularly the dominant third line that has been a thorn in their side throughout the series.
With the series shifting to Florida, the Maple Leafs are focused on maintaining their momentum and continuing to build on their success. As Pacioretty said, "We’ve got to match their energy." The stage is set for an exciting continuation of this playoff battle as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
