Toronto Maple Leafs Face Game 7 Florida Panthers to Reach Eastern Conference Final

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a pivotal Game 7 against the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, aiming to overcome their historically poor record in such decisive games, particularly during the Auston Matthews era. Matthews, now the team captain, is under pressure to lead the Leafs past their Game 7 struggles, having already demonstrated strong leadership and clutch performance in Game 6. Should the Leafs prevail, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002 but face a challenging schedule with only one day of rest before the next series, unlike their opponents who will have significantly more rest. The Panthers are formidable opponents with championship aspirations, making this a true test of character and resilience for Toronto. The Maple Leafs' playoff frustrations mirror those of the New York Rangers, both Original Six teams burdened by long championship droughts and repeated postseason disappointments, adding emotional weight to this high-stakes matchup. Ultimately, the game is more than hockey; it is a defining moment for the team's leadership and fanbase desperate to rewrite a history of playoff heartbreak.