Marner's clutch goal and Woll's steady goaltending lead Maple Leafs to 2-0 series lead over Panthers

Time of India

08-05-2025

Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
1
2
Mitch Marner
is having quite a week. He became a dad and a playoff hero by Wednesday. His third-period goal helped the
Toronto Maple Leafs
. This also beat the
Florida Panthers
4-3 in Game 2. This gave Toronto a 2-0 lead in the series.
With the game tied 3-3 early in the final frame. Marner found space along the boards and fired a quick shot. That too through traffic, where the puck slipped past Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
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He also appeared screened and caught off-guard.
Marner's finish came in just 17 seconds. After Florida had tied the game; it was a key response; swift, composed, and momentum-shifting.
The 28-year-old forward had subtle reminders of his new role as a father stitched into his gear, however, there was nothing flashy in how he played; just quiet confidence and focus.
Woll Answers Call in Goal for Toronto
Mitch Magic Strikes Again 🪄
With starter Anthony Stolarz injured, Joseph Woll stepped in for the Maple Leafs. It was his first playoff start this season. But he looked ready from the start.
Woll made 25 saves on the night. That included a crucial stop on Mackie Samoskevich late in the third. He kept the Panthers at bay while the Leafs held onto their narrow lead.
Woll hadn't started since mid-April, but he stayed prepared. His performance reflected that. Calm, steady, and composed; he did what was needed and more.
Toronto's defensive unit helped, too. Jake McCabe cleared a dangerous rebound with under six minutes left, and the Leafs blocked lanes in the final stretch.
Leafs Find Goals Across the Lineup
Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates a third period goal (Credit: Getty Image)
Florida opened the scoring in the first period with a power-play goal from Aleksander Barkov. But the Leafs answered before the break; Max Pacioretty tipped in a Morgan Rielly shot to tie the game 1-1.
Toronto added two more in the second. William Nylander buried a quick chance after a Pacioretty setup. Then Max Domi scored on a 2-on-1 rush to make it 3-2.
Florida equalized twice, with goals from Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell. But each time, Toronto found a way back. The Leafs' offense didn't rely on just one line; it came from all over.
Panthers Push Late But Fall Short Again
Florida had chances late in the third. Sam Reinhart hit the post with just over three minutes left. Pressure increased, but the Leafs didn't panic.
Their puck management improved. Their defense stayed compact. They didn't give Florida much room to create clean looks.
Even with Aaron Ekblad back from suspension, the Panthers couldn't shift the momentum. Game 3 becomes critical as the series heads to Sunrise.
Read more:
Why Panthers' Sam Bennett wasn't suspended after Stolarz hit incident
Leafs Look Focused and Resilient
Toronto's 4-3 win showed more than skill. It showed maturity. Marner balanced personal joy with playoff intensity. Woll delivered under unexpected pressure. And across the lineup, the Leafs stayed composed. With a 2-0 series lead, they've put the Panthers on notice. Game 3 will test whether Florida can push back; or if Toronto continues to rise.