Leafs Forward Steven Lorentz Fires Warning Shot at His Former Panthers Teammates

The Toronto Maple Leafs are officially on their way into the second round of the NHL playoffs after taking care of business against the pesky Ottawa Senators in 6 games.

They now have to take on their biggest test in the Florida Panthers in what will assuredly amount to an epic series between the two rivals. The Panthers ousted the Maple Leafs in 5 games in the second round 2 years ago and with the addition of Brad Marchand, the headlines write themselves.

For Steven Lorentz, though, while he still has friends on the team, the former Panthers forward is looking to take down his old team. Lorentz was a member of their Stanley Cup winning roster from last year but understands that the past is the past and he's focused on the now, which is with the Leafs.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a career-year in Toronto as he notched 19 points in 80 games for the Leafs this season, held a plus-6 rating, delivered 199 hits and 55 blocked shots, while averaging 10:33 TOI playing primarily in a bottom-6 role.

He didn't record a point during the first round of the playoffs, but his role on the fourth line alongside Scott Laughton was instrumental throughout the series.

Lorentz played a similar role and style for the Panthers last year as he recorded 3 points in 16 playoff games but added 40 hits and 4 blocked shots in just 7:07 ATOI. His penalty killing, physicality, and defensive prowess can't go unnoticed despite his minimal ice-time.

Now donning the Blue and White, Lorentz has his eyes set on taking down his former team as the Maple Leafs eye their first Conference Final berth since 2002.

Alongside Lorentz, Anthony Stolarz and Oliver Ekman-Larsson will also be facing off against their former team as all three won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers last year.