SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers clawed their way back into the Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory on May 9, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena. The win not only cut Toronto's series lead to 2-1 but also provided the Panthers with a much-needed boost as they prepare for Game 4 on May 11.
The game began in a nightmare scenario for the Panthers, with Matthew Knies putting the Maple Leafs on the board just 23 seconds into the contest. Knies deflected a shot from Mitch Marner past goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, giving Toronto an early lead. Just under six minutes later, John Tavares extended that lead to 2-0, wrapping around the net and slipping the puck past Bobrovsky.
However, the Panthers showed resilience, with captain Aleksander Barkov cutting the deficit to 2-1 at 7:38 of the first period. Barkov's shot, which was intended for the net, deflected off defenseman Morgan Rielly and in, igniting hope for the home crowd.
Toronto responded quickly, with Tavares restoring a two-goal lead just 2:52 into the second period on a power play, making it 3-1. Yet again, Florida fought back. Sam Reinhart deflected a shot that was initially ruled a save by goalie Joseph Woll, but after a lengthy review, the goal was confirmed, bringing the score to 3-2 at 4:14 of the second period.
Less than a minute later, Carter Verhaeghe tied the game at 3-3, tapping in a backhand feed from Sam Bennett. The Panthers took their first lead of the night when Jonah Gadjovich, playing his first playoff game this season, scored at 15:07 of the second period, giving Florida a 4-3 advantage.
But the Maple Leafs weren't done. Rielly tied the game at 4-4 with 9:04 left in the third period, deflecting a wide-angle shot that slipped past Bobrovsky, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers at the trade deadline, became the hero. With 6:53 remaining in overtime, Marchand fired a shot that deflected off Rielly and into the net, sealing the 5-4 victory for Florida. "We just competed the way that we know that we can," Marchand said after the game. His goal marked his fourth overtime playoff goal, tying him for seventh-most in NHL history.
Florida's coach, Paul Maurice, praised his team's resilience, stating, "There’s just so much time left on the clock, I don’t think it’s hard to keep your group in (the game). Pretty veteran group of guys, you should stay in the fight." The Panthers displayed a remarkable ability to bounce back from early deficits, a rarity against a Toronto team that had a stellar record when leading.
Game 4 promises to be pivotal, as the Panthers aim to even the series before heading to Toronto. The Panthers are now 13-2 in their last 15 playoff overtime games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. With Marchand contributing significantly, accumulating two goals and eight points in his first seven playoff games as a Panther, Florida's chances look promising.
As the Panthers prepare for Game 4, they will look to build on this momentum and continue their playoff push. The atmosphere in Sunrise is electric, as fans rally behind their team, hoping to witness a series equalizer on home ice. "It's huge," Gadjovich said of his contribution. "Any way you can contribute to the team is great. I just wanted to come in and play my game and do whatever I could to help the team win." The Panthers will need every ounce of that determination as they face a formidable opponent in the Maple Leafs.
With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Panthers' revamped fourth line, featuring Gadjovich, Tomas Nosek, and A.J. Greer, played a critical role in the victory, setting the tone with their physicality and forechecking. Their chemistry was apparent, and they will be counted on again in the crucial upcoming game.
As the series progresses, the Panthers will need to maintain their focus and intensity. The playoffs are a different beast, and every game presents a new challenge. The Maple Leafs, who have shown resilience of their own, will undoubtedly come out strong in Game 4, eager to reclaim their series lead.
In the end, the Panthers have proved they can compete with the best, even when faced with adversity. Marchand's game-winning goal not only gave Florida hope but also demonstrated the team's fighting spirit. As the puck drops for Game 4, fans and players alike will be eager to see if the Panthers can continue their momentum and tie the series.
