Ahead of the NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a former member of the Florida Panthers‘ Stanley Cup winning team dropped a bold statement aimed at Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, and the rest of the squad in Sunrise.
The Maple Leafs and Panthers will face off against each other in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round, starring a rematch of their showdown in the 2022-23 postseason in the same stage.
The Leafs will vye to avenge their latest postseason loss against the Panthers, but most importantly put their ghosts from the past to rest, moving on to the Conference Final round for the first time since the 2001-02 NHL season. Of course, Toronto and its fanbase won’t be content with reaching that round, as they remain hopeful of hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967.
However, on the other end of the ice stands a true menace: the Panthers. Led by reckless stars like Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Bennett, the reigning champions are embracing the tough matchup against the Leafs. On that note, Steven Lorentz, who conquered Lord Stanley with Bennett, Tkachuk, and company last season, made something clear about facing his former teammates.
Steven Lorentz #18 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
“It’s crazy,” Lorentz said, per NHL.com. “We went through so much with those guys. You’re on the high of highs. You’re hoisting the Cup together, drinking out of it. And then, the next day, July 1, you’re a free agent and no longer a part of the team.
see also
Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk issues blunt challenge to Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs before Round 2 start
“Sam [Bennett] and I are still friends. But I know once the puck is dropped, he’s going to try to take my head off. We know how that team plays. We know what they bring to the table. We’ll always be part of that special journey, even after we retire. But right now, obviously, friendships go out the window.”
Inside job
The Maple Leafs are determined to prove to their fans, the rest of the NHL, and themselves, that they have changed, and can finally take down the juggernauts in the league when it truly matters.
Experience cannot be bought, it must be earned, but the Leafs have definitely invested in experienced players, some of whom have had great success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in recent years.
Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers in action against the Ottawa Senators.
Toronto’s lineup features three former members of the Cats’ championship roster in 2024, with the likes of Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Lorentz. As they are set to take on their ex-club, the trio might have a trick up their sleeves.
SurveyHow will the Toronto-Florida series end?
How will the Toronto-Florida series end?
already voted 0 people
Toronto head coach Craig Berube will no doubt be intrigued by what the three former Panthers can bring to the table, given their experience with Bennett, Tkachuk, and the Cats. With a starting goaltender, a defenseman, and a forward among them, Berube has the unique opportunity to gather insight from all sides of the puck on Paul Maurice’s Florida squad.
