Panthers, Maple Leafs Clash in Eastern Conference 2nd Round Again

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are set to face off in the second round of the NHL Eastern Conference playoffs, marking a rematch of last year's series that Florida won in five games. Both teams have undergone significant roster changes since their last playoff encounter, with key players swapping sides, including former Panthers now contributing to Toronto's success. The Maple Leafs enter the series with strong momentum, having secured the most road wins in the league and recently defeating Ottawa, while the Panthers eliminated Tampa Bay and continue to demonstrate playoff resilience on the road. Coaches and players from both teams acknowledge the physical, hard-hitting style that will define the series, with Toronto aiming to match Florida's aggressive forechecking and physicality. Notably, the goaltending matchup will feature close familiarity, as Anthony Stolarz, a standout for Toronto, faces his former Florida teammate Sergei Bobrovsky. Both teams recognize the challenges ahead, citing each other's elite skill, depth, and defensive structure as key factors in this high-stakes rematch.