SUNRISE, FL – After one of the best offensive efforts in the postseason, the Florida Panthers followed that up with their worst in Game Six, as they fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 2-0, as Toronto forces a Game Seven.
While the gears were shifting on defense for the Cats, their offense was abnormally stagnant. There’s no doubt that Joseph Woll performed much better in this game than in his last, but Florida had a tough time even getting shots on goal.
The Offense Was Still In Ontario
However, the biggest sin of the night for Florida was their downright abysmal power play offense. They had four opportunities and didn’t register any shots in the final three. While Toronto’s penalty kill is solid, it’s not even close to the level that Florida’s is. Despite that, the Panthers couldn’t capitalize on the mistakes that the Leafs made.
The third period was where things began to collapse. Toronto won the first two games off a combination of Florida turnovers in their zone and the occasional odd-man rush to the net. The Panthers have done an excellent job negating those in the last three games. However, both of Toronto’s goals tonight came off of both.
PAPI POTS IT!! pic.twitter.com/MEwgDESKLC
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 17, 2025
Sergei Bobrovsky was good tonight with 15 saves. But after being on a milk carton the whole series, Austin Matthews went five-hole on Bob, who was too slow to react for the Leafs’ lead. Max Pacioretty beat Bob with a backhander right in front of the net.
The Two Best Words In Sports
This was a disappointing effort for Florida in front of the home fans. For the majority of the game, the offense looked absent. I wouldn’t blame you for comparing it to Toronto’s performance in Game Five, though, at least Florida’s defense was still on point.
To make matters worse, their opponent has already been decided. The Carolina Hurricanes have already punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final. Now they’ll have additional time to rest and recover before facing Florida or Toronto.
Is there a silver lining? Well, if you look at recent history, the Leafs have not fared well in Game Sevens. Since 2013, they’ve been in six and have lost ALL OF THEM. Four of them have been against Boston, with Brad Marchand present in every Bruins win.
Toronto forces a Game Seven regardless. That’ll be on Sunday at 7:30 pm.
More Stories
Panthers Pepper Woll to Take Series Lead
Bobrovsky, Panthers Shut Out Toronto As They Even The Series
Florida Gets Back On Track, Wins OT Thriller In Game Three