Panthers Eliminate Maple Leafs 6-1, Lead Eastern Final Series

The Toronto Maple Leafs forced a decisive Game 7 against the Florida Panthers in their 2025 NHL playoff series after a commanding 2-0 victory in Game 6. Auston Matthews broke a prolonged scoring drought against the Panthers with a crucial third-period goal, his first in an 11-game second-round series span, helping to keep Toronto's season alive. Veteran Max Pacioretty added an insurance goal late in the third period, providing the Leafs with a vital cushion. Goalie Joseph Woll redeemed himself from a poor Game 5 by stopping all 22 shots faced for a shutout performance. Despite the Panthers being the defending Stanley Cup champions with a strong Game 7 history and the Leafs having lost six consecutive Game 7s, Toronto showed resilience and grit to extend the series. The winner of Sunday’s Game 7 in Toronto will advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.