Maple Leafs Shut Out Panthers, Force Game 7 in Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Toronto Maple Leafs forced a decisive Game 7 against the Florida Panthers in their Eastern Conference semifinal series by winning Game 6 with a 2-0 shutout on the road. Auston Matthews broke a scoreless tie in the third period, scoring his first goal of the series after a defensive turnover by Florida, and Max Pacioretty added an insurance goal later in the period. Goaltender Joseph Woll made 22 saves to secure his first postseason shutout, while Panthers' goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 15 shots but conceded key goals. Despite Florida outshooting Toronto in total, the Panthers were unable to capitalize, with Toronto's defense and goaltending holding firm to extend their season. The series will now be decided in a Game 7 in Toronto, where the winner will advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final. Toronto has struggled historically in Game 7s, having lost their last six, while Florida has a strong record in such elimination games, adding extra intrigue to the upcoming clash.