May 1, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) skates with the puck in game six of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the NHL’s best power plays. The Florida Panthers boast one the league’s top penalty kills.
The strength of those special teams will be put to the test beginning Monday, when the Maple Leafs host the Panthers in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup playoffs second-round series.
After finishing tied for eighth in the league with a 24.8 percent success rate on the man advantage, Toronto was even better in its six-game set against the Ottawa Senators in the first round, cashing in on 35.3 percent of its opportunities (6-for-17).
A big part of that is the success of the five-forward top unit, featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares and Matthew Knies. The quintet combined for 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) on the power play in the first round.
“I think they are confident in it right now,” Panthers forward Sam Reinhart said. “They have a lot of skill and talent.”
The same can be said for the Panthers when short-handed. Their penalty kill is second in the NHL in the playoffs at 88.9 percent (16-for-18), trailing only the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been perfect on the kill.
The Panthers have yet to score a short-handed goal in the postseason but were second in the NHL in the regular season with 12. Reinhart had five of those, tied for third in the league. Six other teammates accounted for the rest.
“That’s how you win series,” Florida defenseman Gustav Forsling said. “You need your PK to be on point.”
The Maple Leafs and Panthers are meeting for the second time in three seasons. In 2023, Florida dispatched Toronto in five games, also in the second round. That marked the first time in nearly 20 years that the Maple Leafs had made it past the opening round; they haven’t advanced to a conference final since 2001-02.
“All the outside stuff doesn’t really matter,” Matthews said. “It’s about the 20 or 25 guys that are in our room and the belief in one another, doing it for one another and just going out there and competing.”
After making it beyond the second round just once in its first 28 seasons, Florida enters the series eyeing a third consecutive spring in the conference final.
“We have a lot more experience of playing in the playoffs, but every year is different,” Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said. “They have a lot of new guys, new systems, a new coach. They’ve been playing really well this year and they played good in the first round, so it’s going to be tough. All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and our game plan and go out there and do it.”
Of those new players on the Toronto side, three won the Stanley Cup with Florida last season — defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, goalie Anthony Stolarz and forward Steven Lorentz.
“Yeah, good memories. That’s in the past,” Lorentz said. “We’ve got a job to do, so that’s the focus right now.”
Brad Marchand, acquired by the Panthers from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline, has been a solid fit alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. He had four assists in the first round, with the trio outscoring the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0 on 5-on-5.
–Field Level Media
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros está entre os 5 mais difíceis de quebrar em todos esportes
Rafael Nadal comemora vitória em Roland Garros. (Foto: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Aproveitamento absurdo do espanhol em Roland Garros se destaca entre os recordes impossíveis de quebrar na história de todos os esportes Um dos maiores esportistas da história, Rafael Nadal ganhou destaque no jornal espanhol “Marca” nesta sexta-feira (20). O ex-tenista entrou na lista do portal de cinco recordes mais difíceis de quebrar em todos os esportes. Em Roland Garros, o espanhol dominou o saibro com 14 títulos e um aproveitamento absurdo, muito complicado de alguém superar um dia. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O grande recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros O Grand Slam de Roland Garros é a “Copa do Mundo” do tênis, é como se fosse a picanha no churrasco. Porém, Rafael Nadal dominou esse torneio como poucos na história, conquistando 14 títulos, o que ainda nem é seu […]
From Babe to Betts, The Wild Trades that Define the Red Sox After Devers Deal
<!--> What is it about the Boston Red Sox and their penchant for blockbuster trades that often feel - bigger? It could be across the team’s 125-year history, their deals have had huge impacts. The infamous deal that sent Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920 and sparked an 86-year drought. Or more recently, when the team tempted fate again when trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in 2018. Now, Rafael Devers joins that list of superstar players after Boston traded him to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Devers was only in the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension and is arguably one of the top 10 hitters in baseball. The 28-year-old will likely be named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career in the coming weeks.A decision that didn’t exactly warm Red Sox fans about the […]
Pacers force Game 7, Thunder under pressure, Lakers get sold and Giannis likely staying with Bucks
On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Indiana Pacers defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and forcing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.Next, Vince and Gary discuss which team has the edge in Game 7 before explaining what the Lakers being sold to Mark Walter’s means for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLater, Vince and Gary react to Ime Udoka signing an extension with the Houston Rockets and how the Milwaukee Bucks can build a team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.(1:56) Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 reaction(10:13) Notable Game 7’s in the NBA Finals(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence(18:53) T.J. McConnell’s impact(21:49) Pressure on SGA & Thunder franchise(26:43) This Game 7 is very unique for Thunder and Pacers(36:55) Lakers sold for $10 Billion(46:30) Ime Udoka gets extension as Kevin Durant rumors swirl(51:54) If […]
Mesmo classificando a Ferroviária no Brasileirão Feminino, Jéssica de Lima é demitida da Ferroviária após mais de dois anos no comando da equipe
Após mais de dois anos, Jéssica de Lima deixa a Ferroviária (Reprodução/Nayra Halm/Staff Images Woman/CBF) Treinadora deixa às Guerreiras Grenás tinha o trabalho mais longínquo do futebol feminino brasileiro e estava preto de completar 100 jogos pela equipe Nesta sexta-feira (20), a Ferroviária anunciou nesta sexta-feira (20), a saída da treinadora Jéssica de Lima. Na equipe desde setembro de 2022, a técnica estava prestes a completar 100 jogos no clube, além de ter o trabalho mais longo no futebol feminino brasileiro. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em nota, a Ferroviária informou que a decisão foi tomada em comum acordo com a treinadora. Além disso, junto dela também deixa a equipe o seu auxiliar, Marlon Major. Porém, o clube agradeceu os trabalhos prestados pela treinadora. “As Guerreiras Grenás informam que, em comum acordo, a treinadora Jéssica de Lima não segue mais à frente do […]
Lucas Lima cobra elenco do Sport e pede reação contra rebaixamento: “Entrar para a história”
Meia aborda situação do Sport no Brasileiirão (Foto: Paulo Paiva / Sport Recife) Leão tem o pior começo da história de um time no Brasileirão da chamada ‘era dos pontos corridos’ e quer reagir após pausa A paralisação do Brasileirão Série A para a disputa da Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora para o Sport. Lanterna absoluto da competição, o time ganhará o descanso necessário para poder vir no retorno dos jogos com uma única missão: escapar da última posição e da zona de rebaixamento. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pode entrar para a história E, caso o Rubro-Negro consiga tal feito, será algo para entrar na história do clube pernambucano e da competição. É a visão do meia Lucas Lima, que pede que o time siga o caminho necessário para poder conseguir na volta […]
Angels manager Ron Washington out indefinitely because of health concerns
<!--> Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will be out indefinitely because of health issues, and bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage Friday night’s series opener against the Houston Astros.Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series against the Yankees. He was cleared by Yankees doctors to fly home with the team Thursday night and underwent a series of medical tests on Friday.General manager Perry Minasian announced Washington's status before the game.The Angels did not specify what symptoms Washington is experiencing, but said the manager was able to address the team in the clubhouse along with Minasian on Friday, and he was planning to watch the game from the GM's Angel Stadium suite. Washington was not made available to the media."Wash has not felt great the last couple of days," Minasian said. […]
Related
Recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros está entre os 5 mais difíceis de quebrar em todos esportes
Rafael Nadal comemora vitória em Roland Garros. (Foto: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Aproveitamento absurdo do espanhol em Roland Garros se destaca entre os recordes impossíveis de quebrar na história de todos os esportes Um dos maiores esportistas da história, Rafael Nadal ganhou destaque no jornal espanhol “Marca” nesta sexta-feira (20). O ex-tenista entrou na lista do portal de cinco recordes mais difíceis de quebrar em todos os esportes. Em Roland Garros, o espanhol dominou o saibro com 14 títulos e um aproveitamento absurdo, muito complicado de alguém superar um dia. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O grande recorde de Rafael Nadal em Roland Garros O Grand Slam de Roland Garros é a “Copa do Mundo” do tênis, é como se fosse a picanha no churrasco. Porém, Rafael Nadal dominou esse torneio como poucos na história, conquistando 14 títulos, o que ainda nem é seu […]
From Babe to Betts, The Wild Trades that Define the Red Sox After Devers Deal
<!--> What is it about the Boston Red Sox and their penchant for blockbuster trades that often feel - bigger? It could be across the team’s 125-year history, their deals have had huge impacts. The infamous deal that sent Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920 and sparked an 86-year drought. Or more recently, when the team tempted fate again when trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in 2018. Now, Rafael Devers joins that list of superstar players after Boston traded him to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Devers was only in the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension and is arguably one of the top 10 hitters in baseball. The 28-year-old will likely be named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career in the coming weeks.A decision that didn’t exactly warm Red Sox fans about the […]
Pacers force Game 7, Thunder under pressure, Lakers get sold and Giannis likely staying with Bucks
On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Indiana Pacers defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and forcing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.Next, Vince and Gary discuss which team has the edge in Game 7 before explaining what the Lakers being sold to Mark Walter’s means for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLater, Vince and Gary react to Ime Udoka signing an extension with the Houston Rockets and how the Milwaukee Bucks can build a team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.(1:56) Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 reaction(10:13) Notable Game 7’s in the NBA Finals(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence(18:53) T.J. McConnell’s impact(21:49) Pressure on SGA & Thunder franchise(26:43) This Game 7 is very unique for Thunder and Pacers(36:55) Lakers sold for $10 Billion(46:30) Ime Udoka gets extension as Kevin Durant rumors swirl(51:54) If […]
Mesmo classificando a Ferroviária no Brasileirão Feminino, Jéssica de Lima é demitida da Ferroviária após mais de dois anos no comando da equipe
Após mais de dois anos, Jéssica de Lima deixa a Ferroviária (Reprodução/Nayra Halm/Staff Images Woman/CBF) Treinadora deixa às Guerreiras Grenás tinha o trabalho mais longínquo do futebol feminino brasileiro e estava preto de completar 100 jogos pela equipe Nesta sexta-feira (20), a Ferroviária anunciou nesta sexta-feira (20), a saída da treinadora Jéssica de Lima. Na equipe desde setembro de 2022, a técnica estava prestes a completar 100 jogos no clube, além de ter o trabalho mais longo no futebol feminino brasileiro. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Em nota, a Ferroviária informou que a decisão foi tomada em comum acordo com a treinadora. Além disso, junto dela também deixa a equipe o seu auxiliar, Marlon Major. Porém, o clube agradeceu os trabalhos prestados pela treinadora. “As Guerreiras Grenás informam que, em comum acordo, a treinadora Jéssica de Lima não segue mais à frente do […]
Lucas Lima cobra elenco do Sport e pede reação contra rebaixamento: “Entrar para a história”
Meia aborda situação do Sport no Brasileiirão (Foto: Paulo Paiva / Sport Recife) Leão tem o pior começo da história de um time no Brasileirão da chamada ‘era dos pontos corridos’ e quer reagir após pausa A paralisação do Brasileirão Série A para a disputa da Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora para o Sport. Lanterna absoluto da competição, o time ganhará o descanso necessário para poder vir no retorno dos jogos com uma única missão: escapar da última posição e da zona de rebaixamento. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pode entrar para a história E, caso o Rubro-Negro consiga tal feito, será algo para entrar na história do clube pernambucano e da competição. É a visão do meia Lucas Lima, que pede que o time siga o caminho necessário para poder conseguir na volta […]
Angels manager Ron Washington out indefinitely because of health concerns
<!--> Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will be out indefinitely because of health issues, and bench coach Ray Montgomery will manage Friday night’s series opener against the Houston Astros.Washington, 73, experienced shortness of breath and appeared fatigued toward the end of a four-game series against the Yankees. He was cleared by Yankees doctors to fly home with the team Thursday night and underwent a series of medical tests on Friday.General manager Perry Minasian announced Washington's status before the game.The Angels did not specify what symptoms Washington is experiencing, but said the manager was able to address the team in the clubhouse along with Minasian on Friday, and he was planning to watch the game from the GM's Angel Stadium suite. Washington was not made available to the media."Wash has not felt great the last couple of days," Minasian said. […]
Be the first to leave a comment