The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to clash in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, in what might be the most electric matchup of the NHL’s conference semifinals. As the reigning champions head into Scotiabank Arena for Game 1, a teammate of Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk issued a clear statement about the keys to beating Toronto.
The Panthers have enjoyed a few extra days of rest after dispatching the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs had to grind their way past the Ottawa Senators, narrowly avoiding a nerve-wracking Game 7 — a scenario that hasn’t been kind to Toronto throughout its history.
Winning the first round against their in-state or provincial rivals was just the first step in Florida and Toronto’s postseason journey. But only one can punch their ticket to the Conference Final.
The Panthers have enough experience in these stages—and beyond—to stay composed and steady under the spotlight. But for the Maple Leafs, it’s a different story. Toronto can already feel the weight of expectations, coming from both its passionate fanbase and the national media in The Six. Still, pressure makes diamonds—or so the Maple Leafs will hope—as they look to break through the second round for the first time since the 2002-03 NHL season.
Evan Rodrigues #17 of the Florida Panthers celebrates his first goal of the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 10, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
Although the Panthers defeated the Leafs in their last playoff meeting in 2023, they’ll be facing a different Toronto squad this time, as they’ve been reminded time and again. Florida’s own lineup has evolved as well. Still, there are familiar elements, even when drawing comparisons to other teams.
see also
NHL News: Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk delivers cold-blooded warning to Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs ahead of playoff series
Been here before
Ahead of Game 1, Evan Rodrigues delivered a bold statement to Marchand, Tkachuk, and the rest of the Panthers about the keys to taking down the Leafs.
“They have a lot of similar tendencies to Tampa Bay,” Evan Rodrigues said about the Maple Leafs, via NHL.com. “I think they lead off the rush, they like to hang on to pucks and make plays. Taking away their rush game I think will probably be a big key [to the series].”
One chance to make a first impression
While the Panthers’ trade for Brad Marchand was the headline move of the 2024-25 NHL season in Sunrise, their decision to part ways with young goaltender Spencer Knight to acquire veteran defenseman Seth Jones has also had significant implications for the Cats.
Jones is coming off a great series against the Bolts, looking to build on it when taking on the star-studded offense in Toronto. However, his performance in Game 1, when Aaron Ekblad will remain sidelined after his two-game suspension for elbowing Brandon Hagel, could well define his form going forward.
see also
Brad Marchand's net worth: How much fortune does the Boston Bruins captain have?
“They obviously won the division this year. They’re a very talented team, very offensive. We have our work cut out for us,” Seth Jones admitted ahead of the series against the Maple Leafs.
Don’t get caught flat-footed
Jones is playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ second round for just the second time in his NHL career—and the first since 2018-19, when he helped the Columbus Blue Jackets sweep the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Lightning before falling in six games to Marchand’s Bruins.
SurveyWho will reach the Stanley Cup Final from the East?
Who will reach the Stanley Cup Final from the East?
already voted 0 people
Jones isn’t in Columbus or Chicago anymore, though. Sunrise is a different story—and these Panthers are a force to be reckoned with, in case the league didn’t learn its lesson after last year’s Stanley Cup conquest.
