Maple Leafs Secure Playoff Spot with Win Over Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, clinching a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Mitch Marner scored the decisive goal in the third period, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 29 saves. John Tavares and Matthew Knies also contributed goals for Toronto, with Marner and Knies each recording two points. Florida's lineup was weakened by the absence of key players like captain Aleksander Barkov due to injury and Aaron Ekblad due to suspension. The win extends the Leafs' lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning by three points, although Tampa Bay has a game in hand. The Leafs and Panthers are set to face each other once more in the regular season.