Maple Leafs Advance to OHL Finals Amid Playoff Surge

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL playoffs, hoping to reach the Conference Finals for the first time since 2002. Their playoff run faces a challenge as starting goalie Stolarz is sidelined with an injury, prompting Joseph Woll—who has proven to be a slightly above-average netminder this season—to step in as the likely starter. The Leafs have also called up additional goalie options from their AHL affiliate, including Dennis Hildeby and Matt Murray, to ensure depth in net. Meanwhile, the Panthers, last season’s Stanley Cup champions, remain strong contenders even after significant roster changes, with their core players maintaining high performance and oddsmakers favoring them to reach another Final. This series carries historical weight for Toronto, whose recent playoff history has been marked by limited success, while Florida's resilience and depth continue to set a high bar for their opponents. The matchup is highly anticipated, with both teams aiming to overcome recent adversity and capitalize on their strengths.