Panthers Sweep Maple Leafs 6-1, Reach Eastern Conference Final

The Florida Panthers decisively defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 7 of their second-round NHL playoff series at Scotiabank Arena, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the third consecutive year. The Panthers showcased their depth with multiple goal scorers and a strong performance from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who stopped 19 shots and has now won three straight Game 7s across postseasons. Toronto's struggles in Game 7s continued, marking their seventh consecutive loss in such games, tying an NHL record, with the team last winning a Game 7 in 2004 and still enduring a Stanley Cup drought since 1967. The Maple Leafs, despite early playoff successes, were overwhelmed by Florida's puck possession and scoring bursts, particularly a three-goal second period that silenced the home crowd. Key Maple Leafs players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner faced the harsh reality of the team's ongoing playoff woes, with uncertainty looming due to potential offseason roster changes. The Panthers will next face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, while the Maple Leafs are left to reflect on their continued postseason disappointments.