Panthers Take 3-2 NHL Playoff Lead With 6-1 Win Over Maple Leafs

The Florida Panthers have taken a commanding 3-2 lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs in their playoff series after a dominant 6-1 victory in Game 5, putting the Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination. The Panthers have won three consecutive games after initially falling behind 2-0 in the series, showcasing strong offensive depth and defensive resilience. Toronto's top players, including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, struggled significantly in Game 5, failing to generate offensive momentum and contributing to a poor team performance both offensively and defensively. The Maple Leafs' goaltending also faltered, and the team appeared tight and tentative, playing not to lose rather than to win, raising questions about the current roster's future. Despite these struggles, the Maple Leafs will have two more opportunities to extend the series, with Game 6 moving to Florida, but their chances look slim based on recent form. The Panthers' balanced scoring and defensive discipline have been key to their comeback and likely series win.