5 key factors in second-round series between Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers
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We take a look at five potential factors in the best-of-seven series between the Leafs — who had a full day off on Friday — and Panthers.
DEPTH IN EXPERIENCE
Three former Panthers who have a Cup ring tucked away at home — goalie Anthony Stolarz, defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and winger Steven Lorentz — each made a varying degree of contribution in the Leafs' success in 2024-25.
That knowledge of enduring the hardships of the post-season is crucial. It doesn't come close, though, to what the Panthers have in returning players after winning the Cup last spring.
Of the Panthers who were in the lineup to eliminate the Lightning in Game 5 on Monday, no less than 12 saw the ice in Game 7 of the final last June when Florida beat the Edmonton Oilers. That would have been 13 had defenceman Aaron Ekblad not been suspended for the finale against Tampa — a penalty that will carry through Game 1 against the Leafs.
And consider that among the players added by the Panthers is forward Brad Marchand, who won the Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins and has played in 162 playoff games in the National Hockey League.
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